For millions of students today, education is about training uncritical job skills meant to produce ‘more competitive workers in the labour market.’ We reject the banking/transmission model of education, in which teachers are transmitters who, rather communicate, transmit knowledge to students in hopes that they will become more “marketable.” In this traditional banking model of education, teachers are the subject, and students are passive absorbers who are relegated to receiving, filing, and storing deposits of information.
At Gallatin School of the Earth, we will embrace a cooperative problem-solving education model, in which students are encouraged to think about, engage with, and tackle problems on their own and in conjunction with other students and members of the community. Considering the future collective challenges facing human society, the educational model at Gallatin School of the Earth will emphasize critical engagement and hands-on approaches, cooperative problem-solving, and a lifelong love for learning and the Earth.
Maker Space and Vision Building
Gallatin is a school of individualized study, and opportunity for students to learn should reflect that. In addition to having typical classrooms and study spaces, students will have the opportunity to build and create the ideas they have. Therefore, a maker-space will be created with any available equipment that a student might want to create their vision. This includes 3D printers, laser cutters, etc. While Gallatin classes are often focused on texts and learning through reading and discussion, creating the physical ideas that students have should be of the highest priority. Having rooms where students can create can teach them infinitely more than a book, teacher, or their peer ever can.
In addition to building a comprehensive Maker-space, research spaces will also be available for students to explore precedents and expand their ideas. This research space will be similar to a study space, but with more tables (rather than just lounging furniture), for people to work with all of their books.
Furthermore, many students often have ideas that formulate in class, startups that they wish to begin, or inspirations from the maker space. Gallatin will have a “job incubator” for students to meet with each other, or to meet with professors or professionals, to discuss and expand these ideas. Having a location that facilitates thought, collaboration, and entrepreneurship will be highly beneficial for future startups, group projects, or any communal assignments.