What comes to your mind when you hear the word ‘classroom’? Your all-time favorite teacher standing at the front? Or perhaps a trip down memory lane, recalling the fondest moments with some of your classmates. Maybe a glimpse of one of the toughest tests you ever had. Or that one guest whose visit meant you had to skip geography lessons for that day. For most, one thing remains constant, regardless of the memory you’re drawn to: a row of desks and a chalkboard—the staple setting of formal education.
The evolution of formal education over the years can be characterized as dynamic. Influenced by the social and cultural aspects of communities, and on a global scale, by technology. But even with these changes, a significant part of formal education hinges on theoretical learning. Practical learning through work has traditionally been reserved for when one is done with the standard formal education. As a result, this creates more theorists, and fewer thinkers and problem solvers.
There is a need to narrow the gap for educated adults who are faced with the challenge of merging theoretical knowledge acquired in schools with the practical side of things in workplaces. While I am not advocating for child labor, why isn’t exposing children to the work environment an obvious solution to this?
Let’s take a closer look at the symbiosis of theoretical learning and practical knowledge and why the two should go hand in hand.
Learning through practical engagement
When we think of education, the traditional classroom setting often comes to mind—a structured environment where students absorb knowledge from textbooks and lectures. However, an emerging paradigm is emphasizing the profound impact of practical engagement on cognitive and developmental growth. This approach transcends rote learning, tapping into the innate curiosity and creativity of young minds.
Practical engagement serves as a catalyst for cognitive development, offering students a tangible platform to apply theoretical concepts. By engaging in hands-on activities, students not only reinforce their understanding of academic content but also cultivate critical thinking, problem-solving, and spatial reasoning skills. These experiences stimulate neural pathways, fostering a deeper comprehension and retention of knowledge.
Moreover, practical engagement fosters a growth mindset, encouraging students to embrace challenges and learn from mistakes. It cultivates resilience, adaptability, and a sense of accomplishment, which are essential attributes in navigating both academic and real-world challenges.
Internships as a way to learn practically
Beyond the classroom, the concept of an internship is an invaluable bridge between the theoretical and the practical. Traditionally considered a rite of passage post-formal education, internships are emerging as a powerful tool for instilling real-world proficiency at an earlier age.
This evolution positions internships as a universal tool for continuous learning, fostering adaptability and valuable insights across diverse age groups.
Internships are designed to be educational, skill-building experiences. They offer a structured and supervised environment where children can engage in age-appropriate, hands-on activities related to their interests. These experiences are meant to enhance their learning, foster personal development, and introduce them to various aspects of the professional world. This is different from child labour which often involves exploitative practices, placing children in hazardous or inappropriate work conditions, hindering their education, and compromising their well-being. In essence, internships tailored for younger individuals provide a constructive and supervised avenue for practical, skill-building experiences, distinctly separate from the exploitative nature of child labor, ensuring a positive impact on their education and overall well-being.
UpStudio’s student internship program
UpStudio Africa, an advocate for this paradigm shift in Tanzania, has embraced the idea that internships are not just for adults but can be a transformative experience for children aged 10-20 years.
During school holidays or flexible part-time hours, these young minds get involved in a spectrum of activities—from fixing devices, setting up sets for classes, and even demonstrating examples to their peers during sessions. Through this, they not only gain practical skills, such as time management and organization skills, but also cultivate a mindset that seamlessly integrates learning and doing.
The program goes beyond the traditional confines of education, encouraging a holistic approach that fosters not only technical proficiency but also soft skills essential for success in any endeavour. Example; Good communication skills, Critical thinking, Problem-solving skills and Time management.
“We were more than thrilled that Zahra had an opportunity to intern with UpStudio Africa. Zahra was proud to be an intern and told everyone she knew that she had an internship. The internship taught Zahra important skills that she will carry with her. She learned how to organize her timetable (and even her lunch) to make sure she was ready for her internship. She learned how to manage her time with tasks assigned, work with a team, and much more. These practical skills are valuable for her overall learning, upbringing, and growth,” said Rashida Dogo, mother of Zahra Dogo (10 years).
What society would look like if more kids were allowed to work
Consider, for a moment, a society where the boundaries between learning and work blur from a young age. Picture a generation of individuals who seamlessly transition from the theoretical foundations of formal education to the practical intricacies of the professional world. This vision challenges the conventional trajectory, envisioning a society where problem solvers and critical thinkers are not the exception but the norm.
“At UpStudio Africa, we believe in empowering young talents to be architects of their own learning journey. Our interns exude confidence, taking charge of their work with a sense of ownership. In this dynamic environment, they’re not just interns; they’re the architects of tomorrow’s innovations.” – Shama Kheraj of UpStudio Africa
The symbiosis of theoretical learning and practical knowledge is not just a visionary concept; it’s a tangible pathway to nurturing well-rounded individuals. UpStudio’s student internship program serves as a beacon, illustrating how early exposure to the working world can shape the leaders and thinkers of tomorrow.
However, as we embark on this transformative journey, let us remain vigilant against the shadows that lurk—ensuring that the bright promise of practical engagement doesn’t cast a pall over the innocence of childhood.
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