Buddies learn with and from each other

Living together only works well if each and every individual can co-operate with other people and experience how helpful other perspectives can be. Otherwise, cohesion will crumble, as can currently be observed in the increasing division of society in this country and in many other countries. It is therefore important that children and young people learn how enriching and constructive it can be to overcome challenges together and to learn from and with each other.

To support them in this, experts from various scientific disciplines from eleven countries have developed a wide range of learning content as part of the KIDS4ALLL (Key Inclusive Development Strategies for Lifelong Learning) research project, which focuses on cooperation in teams of two. The material is now freely accessible via the multilingual e-learning platform – designed at Friedrich Schiller University Jena and launched there today (12 September) as part of a conference . Schools, other educational institutions and youth centres can use it easily. The platform, which will be continuously expanded with new content in the future, can be accessed at: https://learn.kids4alll.eu.External link

The buddy system

"At the centre of our project is the so-called buddy system – a method in which two children or young people work together who are not necessarily best friends, but who first meet through the completion of work and learn with and from each other," explains PD Dr Luisa Conti from the Department of Intercultural Business Communication at the University of Jena. Together with her colleague Klara Räthel, she managed and coordinated the development of the centrepiece of KIDS4ALLL – the new e-learning platform. "Schools and other educational institutions around the world are using the concept to strengthen cooperation skills," says Conti. It is often used to better integrate children and young people who are new to a school class, for example, or who do not yet have a good command of the language. However, this is explicitly not about mentoring – rather, both members should contribute their strengths to the team and meet as equals.

As part of the project, the participating researchers initially researched how the buddy system works in numerous European and non-European countries and which concepts are already being implemented by educational and childcare institutions. To this end, they worked closely with partners from the field, such as Kindersprachbrücke Jena.

Stimulating small moments of encounter

With the knowledge gained, all KIDS4ALLL participants developed learning content for buddy teams. These tasks, which can now be found on the new platform in 14 languages, are designed to help children and young people acquire certain key skills, for example in the subject areas of digitalisation, society, science and business. "On the other hand, they should above all approach the respective challenges cooperatively and learn how to work together effectively and in a way that is enriching for all sides," says Luisa Conti.

A playful and communicative element – such as a quiz – first introduces the topic of the very accessible units. The buddies then usually solve the respective task in a creative way. For example, they have the opportunity to shoot a video or record a podcast. They can upload the results and share them with others. Finally, they are encouraged to reflect on their approach and their work. Anyone who wants to know more about the topic will also find helpful links.

To accompany the introduction to teamwork, the experts have produced short introductory videos in cooperation with the Multimedia Centre of the University of Jena and the Jena-based company "Avocado Film", which explain how to develop ideas or how to resolve conflicts that can arise when working together. "Overall, however, we don't want to prescribe too much and set expectations, but above all provide inspiration. Above all, we want the children to enjoy learning, familiarise themselves with the topics, get creative and experience the effectiveness as a team," says Luisa Conti.

"We want to stimulate the seemingly small moments between children and young people who don't seem to have much in common at first glance, so that they can connect with each other through learning and trying things out," says Klara Räthel, formulating the expectations of the platform. "This promotes openness in approaching each other, communication skills and the perception and exchange of different perspectives."

Help with buddy building

While the young teams familiarise themselves with the platform, they should be supported by people who are there to help them learn – such as teachers or social education workers. This is not the only reason why the developers have also integrated educational content. They teach skills in subjects) areas|field such as collaborative learning, interculturality and socio-emotional skills, which can help both in accompanying the teams and in everyday working life in schools and youth centres. They also provide tips for buddy-building, i.e. how best to bring the teams together.

The EU Commission confirmed that the platform had achieved these goals following its review before it went live: "The project has delivered very good results and the KIDS4ALLL platform is of excellent quality".

The platform is generally open to everyone – the content can also be downloaded. The experts in Jena are currently informing school authorities and other institutions about the new tender and presenting it at events. They also worked closely with the Thuringian Ministry of Education during the development phase.