Theme: Education and Learning.
Topic: The school that puts the kids in charge
Listen to the podcast episode here:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2024/ep-240711
Comprehension Questions
- What are two main responsibilities that students have at the Bamboo School in Thailand?
- How is Nooneem’s experience at the Bamboo School different from her previous school?
- What is the role of adults at the Bamboo School?
- How do students get hands-on experience at the Bamboo School?
- What must the children do each year in order to attend the Bamboo School?
Note down new words or phrases that you could use in the discussion.
Discussion Questions
Think about your answers to these questions:
1. What parts of running a school would you trust students to manage? Why?
2. How different would your school life have been if students made all the rules?
3. What practical skills should schools teach that they currently don’t?
4. Could this school system work in other countries? Why or why not?
5. What’s the right balance between classroom learning and real-world experience in schools?
Note down other questions you could ask in the discussion.
Extension
For extra listening practice listen to this TED Talk: Students need to lead the classroom, not teachers
Example Answers
1. What parts of running a school would you trust students to manage? Why?
“I think students could definitely take on managing the school cafeteria and organising events. In my experience, whenever students are put in charge of planning school festivals or fundraisers, they really step up to the plate. They often come up with creative ideas that teachers might not think of. However, I’d draw the line at letting students handle serious disciplinary issues or financial decisions – that’s too much responsibility to put on young people’s shoulders.”
2. How different would your school life have been if students made all the rules?
“If students had made all the rules at my school, I reckon things would have got out of hand pretty quickly! We probably would have done away with homework and early morning starts. But looking back, I can see why we needed some structure. That said, I think we could have relaxed some rules – like having to put our hands up to get permission to go to the toilet. I suppose it’s all about finding a happy medium between freedom and chaos.”
3. What practical skills should schools teach that they currently don’t? “Schools really need to teach students how to manage their money and sort out basic paperwork. I had no idea how to fill out tax forms or set up a budget when I left school – I had to figure it all out on my own. They should also teach interview skills and how to write professional emails. These are things we use day in, day out in real life. My friend recently missed out on a job because she didn’t know how to come across well in interviews – that’s the kind of skill schools should be teaching.”
4. Could this school system work in other countries? Why or why not?
“I think this system could work in other countries, but you’d have to iron out the kinks first. It would probably work better in smaller schools where teachers can keep an eye on things without breathing down students’ necks. In my country, parents might kick up a fuss about giving students so much responsibility. But if you start small – maybe letting students manage one aspect of school life at a time – you could gradually build up to something similar to the Bamboo School.”
5. What’s the right balance between classroom learning and real-world experience in schools?
“From what I’ve seen, the sweet spot is about 70% classroom learning and 30% practical experience. My cousin went to a school that offered work placements one day a week, and it really paid off – she landed a great job straight after graduating because she knew the ropes already. But you still need that solid foundation of academic knowledge to fall back on. The key is making sure the real-world experience ties in with what students are learning in class, so it all comes together nicely.”