Teachers took on a different role than usual during the minor Impact Space. Their role shifted from that of experts to that of coaches. This represented not only a change in the teaching approach but also a shift in the educational paradigm. They adopted a more interactive and facilitating attitude, placing themselves as learners alongside the students. As coaches, they are responsible for guiding and supporting students in their learning path, encouraging critical thinking, problem-solving and independent exploration. But what do the teachers actually think of this form of education? Well, according to research by Joe Binetti and Louise Smink, they were very positive about this minor, just like the students.
Teachers liked being involved in the development of the minor program. It gave them a sense of autonomy, involvement, ownership and belonging, which resulted in great satisfaction. It created a strong sense of cohesion, which contributed to a positive working environment. The collaboration among teachers proceeded seamlessly, facilitated by an efficient communication system. This strong cohesion created a lot of mutual support, a sense of ownership, shared goals, and good cooperation, which made this minor not only rewarding but also enjoyable. The new teaching and mentoring styles were very successful for the teachers, who embraced a learning-by-doing approach that resonated well with the students. Teachers found that the students' diverse backgrounds enriched the learning and teaching experience, leading to dynamic interactions and sharing perspectives between participants. The flexibility of the minor further enriched the learning and teaching experience. Teachers were able to adapt and make the teaching methods and content more creative. They regained their professional autonomy and could utilise their knowledge of educational tools freely, which enhanced the learning experience for both students and teachers. Therefore, it is important to value and recognise teachers' professionality and autonomy and to embrace a flexible teaching style, where teachers' guidelines offer guidance without being restrictive, so as to better meet the changing needs of students. By continuing to develop yourself as a teacher on a professional level, the learning experiences of students can also be taken to a higher level. So, are you also ready to join the team and embrace the “learning by doing” method?