|
|
|
|
Children using the paper in Buswa School |
ConceptThe learning paper is based on an original concept of Mike Richards who envisaged a news paper type of publication being distributed widely to schools in third world and developing countries. Schools in such countries possess no or little learning resources which the pupils can read and write on as text books are hard to come by. The paper would provide enough learning material for pupils during one school term. 
Children at Buswa School Current editions of the paper are between 40 and 60 pages and are printed on news print paper (60 – 80 grams) much like a newspaper. The learning content is put into four stages, the first being the easiest and aimed at 5 to 7 year olds. Each stage becomes increasingly more complex up to stage four which is aimed at teenagers. The idea behind having each stage in the one paper is that the paper will be taken home for other family members to use and read all of whom will have varying levels of literacy. The content is openly laid out to allow writing on the paper itself. The exercises, games and puzzles are fully illustrated with as many images from the local area as possible to increase the relevancy of the content. The ways in which the content is presented will encourage children to engage in their own learning. Other content in the paper includes information about community related topics which are sourced from the community itself, health and hygiene, conservation and information on the company sponsoring the edition. We also include articles and stories about the country in which it is being distributed. An overall aim of the content is to make it as culturally relevant to the recipients as possible, fun and enjoyable to read and use. Sections in the paper provide guidelines and ideas to teachers in the delivery and teaching of the content. This gives ideas on how to integrate the paper into current school activity. The paper is a learning resource which the teacher will use in a variety of different ways in the classroom. Sections of the paper are devoted to supporting the teacher’s delivery and helping them not only to use the paper effectively but also to become more effective teachers. Since each child in the school will receive their own copy the paper will be taken home and read by parents who it is hoped will assist their children’s learning in the home and amongst many family members. The generation of content for subsequent editions in each area will be sourced as much as possible from local people. Each school which participates will be asked to provide feedback and further ideas of subject matter and to contribute stories from their school and community. In cases where possible a local person will have the responsibility to gather this information and relay it back to the agency who are publishing the paper in that particular country. Unique Learning MaterialsThe Learning Paper (TLP) creates a unique primary school pupil learning tool which is used in the classroom by pupils and teachers. The paper provides unprecedented opportunities to raise the levels of literacy and numeric skills of children in rural and urban communities where a scarcity of text and exercise books exist. TLP applies a well thought out, structured model of production, delivery, evaluation and usage which serves to inspire and empower primary aged school children, teachers, householders and wider community in rural areas. It brings together partners in community and educational development to ensure the paper is relevant and is used. It creates a community of corporate sponsors who identify with sustainable initiatives which blend Corporate Social Responsibility endeavours with social enterprise. The following points illuminate some key features of TLP
|
|
| Home About Concept Need Projects Benefits Sponsors Downloads Contact | ||
© Copyright The Learning Paper 2006. |
||
