Kids4Twente
Today’s children are the inventors of the future—a future full of challenges. That’s why Kids4Twente supports all primary schools in Twente to prepare children for what lies ahead. The programme emphasises inquiry-based and design-based learning. Kids4Twente helps schools integrate new educational content into the regular curriculum. Collaboration with local companies is an integral part of this, giving children the opportunity to explore scientific and technological challenges from a young age.
A lot is happening in the world and in Twente. “Social developments are following each other at a rapid pace. This requires a new learning environment where students' curiosity, creativity, and inventiveness are stimulated,” says Tim Post, educational inspirer. Together with Dave van der Valk, creative connector, and Marjolein Lindeman, programme manager, he initiated Kids4Twente. “By ‘introducing’ students to society, we are preparing them for the future of Twente—a future where inventive solutions are needed.”
Educational Development
Kids4Twente supports schools in developing a new educational programme as part of their regular curriculum. “This new programme emphasises inquiry-based and design-based learning,” says Tim. “Inquiry-based learning encourages children to ask their own questions and seek answers, while design-based learning challenges them to apply their knowledge to develop solutions to societal problems. It goes far beyond a technology event or a class field trip to a local company. That doesn’t have lasting impact. It needs to be part of a lesson plan. In addition to basic skills like language and math, it’s about bringing a piece of the world into the classroom. When you walk into school, you should feel like you’re stepping into the future.”
By making learning engaging and relevant, Kids4Twente hopes to inspire students in an ongoing quest for knowledge and innovation. In doing so, Kids4Twente not only prepares students for the challenges and opportunities of the future but also contributes to the societal development of Twente.
Guidance
Kids4Twente uses a step-by-step approach that includes everyone. “In the first six months, each school in a municipality appoints and trains a Science & Technology coordinator who guides colleagues through the programme,” Marjolein explains. “School leaders are involved and prepared from the start as well. In the second half of the year, teachers join in, and we create connections with local companies. These can be large or small companies in any sector. We then organise meetings where teachers and companies get to know each other, and with the help of an expert, we explore how companies’ knowledge can be integrated into the school’s curriculum. Our project is successful when a Twente learning community of businesses and education is established, able to continue development together—even after our programme has ended.”
“We are also conducting scientific research on the impact of this approach on students’ attitudes,” adds Tim. “Our goal is an upward trend, with students feeling positive about their own talents and development.”
Kids4Twente itself is also continuously learning. “In each municipality, we identify areas for improvement in our programme that we can immediately implement in the next municipality. At the same time, the knowledge we develop flows back to the municipalities that have already completed the programme,” says Marjolein.
Chain Collaboration
In addition to working with primary and secondary schools and businesses, we also collaborate with the Strong Technology Education programme, business networks, and other educational development organisations, Dave explains: “Tetem, Oyfo Technology Museum, the Pre-University programme of the University of Twente, TechYourFuture, and Concordia are our core educational partners and are involved in the development of the Kids4Twente programme. The education of the future is something we create together; we bring together initiatives and inspire each other. That’s how we make a difference together. In reality, this isn’t a project but a movement that we are setting in motion,” Dave concludes.
Want to know more about Kids4Twente?
Contact Marjolein Lindeman / marjolein@kids4twente.nl
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