Coding is the theme, but the skill children learn is the ability to adapt to an ever changing world

We are working with schools in South Africa to introduce programming and robotics in primary grades. To prepare children for a future where we don’t even know what careers still exist, we aim to instill an attitude for life-long learning. Our pedagogial approach – design-based project learning – supports the development of the 4Cs – creativity, critical thinking, collaboration and communication. Although topic is coding and robotics, the skills students learn are wider: skills required in the future no matter what their future job will be.

Kids have no problems with trial and error, and it’s like OK this did not work, let’s try something else. Those “aha” moments come quick with younger learners.

Finnish experts train South African teachers to facilitate multi-disciplinary, open-ended programming projects. The Code School Finland curriculum covers all ages from preschool to high school.

Good news is that teachers do not need any prior knowledge about coding or robotics.They should actually not take the role as a teacher. They should learn together with the students in a process where they are facilitating learning rather than being a teacher.

Future is made with Finland

The Embassies of Finland in South Africa are organizing a webinar series Future With Finland to discover how Finland and Africa are working together to create a future of excitement and opportunity. We were invited to tell how we are bringing future skills education to the schools of South Africa. Watch the video below (2:45min)