Ways to Foster a Love of Learning and Happiness at School in the Digital Age

2017 Education Evening with Olaf Axel Burow

Thanks to scientific research, we now know quite a lot about how successful and sustainable learning works and what matters most. However, key structures in schools and many aspects of current teaching methods and pedagogy stem from an outdated conception of learning. Prof. Dr. Olaf Axel Burow illustrated this fundamental problem using clear examples and compelling research findings.

Building on this analysis, Burow presented to an interested and open-minded audience the possible paths toward School 4.0. Citing examples from the German school system, he was able to demonstrate that the future may not be all that far off.

As far as schools are concerned, the future structure of a forward-looking school must incorporate the following aspects digitalization, the new role of teachers, networking, changes in the teaching and learning environment, and a focus on health, democratization/participation and happiness-oriented approach as defining factors.

As far as the students are concerned, the key will be to specific talent profile to do justice to each individual and thus make learning an enjoyable activity that sustains the joy of learning and fosters happiness at school. Standardized graduation profiles and assessments of knowledge levels should be critically examined.

It was an educational evening that sparked a lively exchange of ideas between the speaker, parents, colleagues, and representatives from the teacher-training programs at the University of Marburg and the teacher-training college—especially afterward, during a light reception with refreshments provided by WU Partyservice.