Welcome to the BFS podcast. This time we are joined by Professor Ger Graus.
In his book Natural Born Learners, – Alex Beard describes Professor Graus as “Jean-Jacques Rousseau meets Willy Wonka”- He’s a brilliant education thinker, a champion of true learning, and a wise and wonderful human being.
Our Director of Development and Alumni Relations, Kyra Kellawan, and University and Careers counselor Rhonda Leshman join in the conversation with Professor Graus. Both work with BFIS Alumni and have experience working with international independent school students who are thinking about students’ futures. As we think about children’s aspirations for becoming all that they can be, Professor Graus is now advocating a ‘Futures Awareness’ campaign in partnership with the world of work to globally introduce careers education in Elementary education. He frequently reminds us that children can only aspire to what they know exists and that there can be a poverty of experience that comes from both an affluent upbringing and one less so.
Learning Through Role-Play
Professor Graus was the founding Global Education Director at KidZania. From Dallas to Tokyo, Kidzania is an interactive city made for children 1-14 that combines inspiration, fun and learning through realistic role-play. Kids can independently explore a scaled indoor city of over 7,000 square meters with more than 100 exciting careers that they can try. They have 26 facilities all over the globe from Mexico City to Tokyo to London and KidZania receives more than 10 million visitors yearly in over 23 countries, with 9 more facilities currently under development. In 2007, Ger Gaus became the founding Chief Executive of the Children’s University. Under his leadership, the Children’s University became a multiple-award-winning international charity providing 5 to 14-year-olds with exciting and innovative learning opportunities outside school hours. The Children’s University’s global reach now extends as far as Australia, New Zealand, China, Malaysia, Singapore, and the Middle East.
A number of importat awards have been conferred on Ger inclusing an OBE and he is a frequent speaker a global eduvational events and works with school of all types across the world.
Future Pathways
This interesting interview with Ger Graus emphasizes the concept of “future pathways” as a holistic thinking process rather than traditional careers education. Graus believes that enabling children and young people to understand the purpose behind their actions can lead to greater engagement and fulfillment. He critiques the current education system, which often lacks personalization and fails to address basic questions about schooling’s purpose. Graus advocates for a shift towards understanding and meeting the unique needs and interests of each student, moving away from the mass schooling model of the Industrial Revolution era. He emphasizes the importance of emotional well-being and suggests asking young people who they want to be like rather than what they want to do, to foster emotional connections and values-based learning. Graus discusses with Rhonda and Krya some BFIS initiatives like psychometric profiles and platforms like the Morrisby Profile as tools for self-discovery and empowerment among young people. Ger Grays also highlights the important role of the community, including parents, grandparents, and wider society, in supporting children’s learning and exploration of future pathways. He emphasizes trust in young people to shape their own narratives and futures within an environment that values personalization, emotional well-being, and community support.
Real World Exposure
The conversation continues exploring the importance of internships and experiences in shaping students’ understanding of future pathways. Rhonda highlights the value of internships in providing real-world exposure and helping students discern their career interests. Professor Graus suggests starting internships at a younger age, emphasizing the importance of experience over age, and encourages building experiences into the curriculum from as early as seven years old.
Teachers as Project Managers of Students’ Experiences
The conversation also delves into the role of teachers in facilitating future pathways. Ger Graus advocates for teachers to move beyond being mere knowledge providers to becoming project managers of students’ experiences, marrying the Reggio Emilia approach with real-world experiences. He stresses the need for simplicity in solutions and the importance of trusting teachers to innovate within their classrooms. He encourages educators to focus on widening students’ horizons through diverse experiences and role models, emphasizing the need to challenge stereotypes early on.
Optimism and Enjoyment
Rhonda also shares insights from her career, emphasizing the importance of expanding students’ thinking and introducing them to future job skills, especially in the context of advancing technology and AI. Professor Graus adds to the conversation, highlighting the need for optimism regarding the potential of AI and the importance of addressing socio-economic disparities in education which were evidenced during the COVID lockdown. They discuss the role of schools in fostering community leadership and staying true to oneself amidst various influences. Professor Graus concludes the interview with a quote from Johan Cruyff: “Salid y Disfrutad” meaning, “Go Out and Enjoy” emphasizing the importance of optimism and enjoyment in exploring future pathways and navigating the challenges of the modern world.
Listen the entire podcast interview:
