We Could Use More Bildung in Schools - EOL Can Fill the Void

Scandinavian schools and educators have long recognized the vital importance of fostering connections and relationships between self and others, family, community, and the larger world. Social mutuality, as well as pride in heritage, is valued and celebrated. In contrast to the traditional American hierarchy of teachers transferring their knowledge to students, bildung and the reciprocity it invites, provides an emphasis on lifelong learning that allows students and teachers to learn together, not separated by their roles in the classroom.

Bildung is Present in Edge of Leadership!

It’s easy to see how the Nordic approach to education and the tenets of bildung support High 5’s Edge of Leadership (EOL) program. EOL’s emphasis is on connecting and empowering students through social and emotional learning to develop student leaders. Another beneficial outcome of EOL programming is a more cohesive classroom culture. One that boasts more inclusion and empathy for other students – social maturity in action. The experiential education component of EOL, as well as the participation of students and teachers together as learners, only adds to this alignment of the two philosophies.