Telefonplan School

Vittra

Country: Sweden
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Innovation: Disruptive
Where it happens: School
Trends: 21st Century Skills | Personalized Learning | Hands-on Learning

The school's architectural layout is innovative, with few walls and classrooms, and featuring many areas designed to stimulate the creativity of the students. Technology is a part of the daily activities of students and professors alike, both of which use laptops to study and work. The learning process is based on projects and is implemented through teamwork according to the students' individual interests.

Country: Sweden
Visit Website
Innovation: Disruptive
Where it happens: School
Trends: 21st Century Skills | Personalized Learning | Hands-on Learning

The school's architectural layout is innovative, with few walls and classrooms, and featuring many areas designed to stimulate the creativity of the students. Technology is a part of the daily activities of students and professors alike, both of which use laptops to study and work. The learning process is based on projects and is implemented through teamwork according to the students' individual interests.

Country: Sweden
Visit Website

Problem: Theoretical lessons, in traditional, rectangular classrooms, with a teacher on one side of the room and students on the other, distributed in rows of tables and chairs, with little or no interaction, are the characteristics of traditional schools that Telefonplan, in Stockholm, is looking to change. Created in 2011, the school understands that the physical space itself is an important aspect in the process of scholastic development. As such, Telefonplan's design is different and colorful, having few rooms and walls and furniture that is unique and comfortable. The project was developed by architects, professors, designers and students under the leadership of architect Rosan Bosch. The school is part of Vittra, an independent network of 35 free, independent schools that are maintained with public funding and built conforming to innovative architectural principles. The aim is to create a school that is inspiring within a space that promotes communication.




Solutions: The lessons are based on projects and take place in creative spaces that were conceived to potentiate learning and motivate students to ask questions and learn according to their interests, albeit in a collaborative way. The learning environment is open, positive and fun. There are installations, such as a cave, which is where individual activities are undertaken; there is also a laboratory, where practical math, science and art activities are developed; a campsite, where the students can meet to discuss work on projects; a pond, where students socialize and perform physical activities, such as dance; and an auditorium, where presentations occur. The school also offers places where students can relax and chat, as well as multimedia classrooms where they can watch videos. 

Daily activities begin with all students present, separated into groups according to age and school year, in order to discuss a topic or try to resolve a common problem. The idea is for them to share experiences, use their creativity, believe in themselves and be innovative. Afterwards, the students engage in their various academic endeavors, which take place in the classroom and in other areas within the school. Each of the teachers and students, from the age of 10 onwards, work on their own laptops. The younger students also have access to the school's laptops and tablets.

Learning occurs through online lesson modules, and students can post their work and share ideas with their classmates. Teachers act as facilitators, helping students to develop their projects. Each student has his or her own file, known as Vittra Book, on the internet, where all of the data regarding the student's academic progress at school is stored, which can be accessed from home by their parents.




Outcomes: As a result, the learning process becomes more interesting, involving and interactive. The children enjoy being at school, feel more motivated and develop what are known as 21st century skills, such as communication, empathy, confidence and the ability to concentrate. They learn to face challenges. The use of laptops improves their reading, writing, creativity and capacity to use digital tools. Vittra Book increases the interaction between the children’s parents and their schools.