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What can unite schoolchildren, students and educators? The Green School was able to train each and every one! IMPRESSIONS OF THE PARTICIPANTS

July 26, 2019, 6:11 p.m.

What can unite schoolchildren, students and educators in education? But, no! The Green School was able to train each and every one! IMPRESSIONS OF THE PARTICIPANTS

 

From July 2 to July 7, the Summer Science & Digital [not] School for educators, students and senior secondary school students from Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts was conducted to learn the principles of 21-st century education. The event was organized at Klym Churyumov International Green School with the support of the Embassy of the Republic of Lithuania in Ukraine.

You can read more about the Summer Science & Digital [not] School here: http://openpolicy.org.ua/news/317/

The training was attended by 24 participants from Kurakhove, Myrnohrad, Starobilsk, Rubizhne, Mariupol, Stanytsa Luhanska, Mariinka and Zhytomyr, who shared their impressions.

 

Impressions of participants and trainers:

 

“You are unique. I would notice that so far the International Green School is the only environment in Ukraine that, in the short term of learning and cooperation, is capable not only to create conditions for integration and teamwork but also the opportunities for 21-st century competencies. Bravo!

“Many thanks for the tireless gifted hands to all who created this space of love, kindness, family warmth and comfort.”

Halyna KANAFOTSKA, the coordinator of the Center for Social Leadership, the moderator of the Discussion Club at the Summer Science & Digital [not] School for educators at the International Green School.

 

“At the Green School, I was amazed by the variety of study areas. Each lesson was informative and interesting. As for me, I was pleasantly impressed with the atmosphere at the Green School. Schoolchildren, students and educators worked enthusiastically throughout the training and enjoyed it. The participants demonstrated teamwork and a creative approach to everything we did. We were told and shown the opportunities to work using WhatsApp, Canva, Zoom, Smore, Kahoot!, etc. They trained us in programming, helped create a robot by our own hands and more. I am grateful to everyone who has tried to make my stay at Green School as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. Thanks to teachers who have expanded my knowledge in this area or another one, and the organizing committee for an unforgettable summer internship in the picturesque village of Kosmach!”

Oleksandra KUTSENKO, the student of the 9th grade from the Secondary School-Kindergarten in Rubizhne.

 

“It is pleasant to note that the training had a qualitative, busy and diverse program. The warm and friendly atmosphere was surprised. The children, students and teachers liked to work in a team and make decisions together. The training participants have deepened their knowledge of modern education. Everyone went inspirational and happy because they became creative.”

Olga BEREZAN, the teacher of chemistry at the Novovolynsk Boarding Lyceum, the Honored Teacher of Ukraine, the trainer at the Summer Science & Digital [not] School and PhD in Pedagogy.

 

 

“The first day was great. It was even more interesting and cool while raining. Most of all, I liked the creation of a project and a ‘yum-yum’ laboratory (it was very tasty).

“I and Nastia really liked the lecture ‘Chemistry of Straw Weaving’ and straw weaving itself. During this workshop, we learned how to make octahedrons - this is one of the wrong polyhedra. But before that, we listened to a little lecture on the chemistry of straw weaving. Then we cleaned the straw for the next lesson. When we finished cleaning, we weaved a ‘spider’, a traditional Ukrainian decoration, with Ms Natalia Overchuk.”

Ksenia LIUSTROVA, the 7th grade student of the Zhytomyr City Humanitarian Gymnasium № 23.

 

“It is the best day in recent times.

“From 2 to 7 July, teachers and students of the Pervomaisk Industrial and Pedagogical College participated in a summer session of the International Green School. Interesting trainings ‘Education of the 21-st Century’, meetings with concerned people and wonderful nature of the Carpathians will remain in memory for a long time. Interesting experience will help in future work. Thank you for a beautifully organized event.”

Viktor MAKSYMENKO, the teacher of computer disciplines at the Pervomaisk Industrial and Pedagogical College.

 

“This summer, I attended the International Green School, but it's not a simple school with lessons, assessments and a bunch of books. The Green [not] School is a place where they will be able to explain you in a very short time that 21-st century education is open to innovation, and they will present you some developing tools: the GREEN STREAM method, ZOOM, Smore, Canva, WhatsApp and others.

“At first, I caught myself thinking: ‘I will never understand, especially, do not learn it!?’. I never imagined that I would create a robot, make a straw ‘spider’, present a GREEN STREAM education media plan and use Makey-Makey. But, in fact, when people, who are masters of their own business, explained it to you, then everything becomes clear.

“IGS is aninvironment for realizing my thoughts and learning new tools for educators; much of what I learned at school, I will now use in my life.

“You will fall in love with the picturesque landscape where the Green School is located – the Carpathians; the sky is full of stars, the noise of trees and the babbling of mountain rivers.

“I am very grateful for this opportunity to participate in this session.

 “We get a great flow of diverse information. It is cool, but there is little time for its learning. The atmosphere is very friendly. Thank you for this opportunity.

“I had a great opportunity to attend a summer session at the International Green School. Be aware that this is a place where you will have full brainstorming in your mind, and you will be fully satisfied. I have never in my life been able to imagine that learning could be so interesting. For that time, I have participated in so many trainings and muster-classes; I have learned new teaching technologies, a combination of humanities and technical sciences. And this lasted only 4 days. I would like to thank Iryna Zhdanova for this great opportunity to reveal my other side and understand that we can do more. So, let’s move forward.”

Oleksandra KONONENKO, the 3rd year student, specialty “Secondary Education. Biology”, the Department of Natural Sciences at Luhansk Taras Shevchenko National University.

 

 “For the time I have spent at the Green School, I liked everything; it was very interesting and informative. I liked various colorful and interesting activities, landscapes of the Carpathians. The Green School inspires and teaches the new and the unusual.”

Svitlana NEDOPIOKINA, the 3rd year student, specialty in computer sciences, at the Pervomaisk Industrial and Pedagogical College.

 

“I really enjoyed various competitions, new classes and food!”

Ilya Denysenko, the 2nd year student at the Mariupol Building College, specialty Improvement Buildings and Structures and Construction Design.

 

“The surrounding beauty of the Carpathian Mountains constantly create a special mood during the classes. The OPEN GREEN STrEAM has given me a modern perspective on education and a great deal of interesting information that I plan to use in my future work. I also got acquainted with ‘Pysanka (Easter eggs) Painting’, ‘Straw Weaving’, ‘Makey-Makey’, Hutsul dancing and wedding dress. This is unusual and very interesting!

“I already use a SCRUM board in my life. The work in a team and learning modern technologies (Zoom, Kahoot!) are a real help for lecturers and better learning for students. Thank all organizers, lecturers and colleagues for such an unforgettable experience!

“Wonderful day! Interesting lessons, yum-yum are just great! Dancing is fiery! Theater is a ‘bomb’.

“I was very satisfied! The beauty of nature is amazing! Conditions are great! Thank you for a squash and scrum!

“Being at the International Green School, I have incredible pleasure! The beauty of the Carpathians is around, and there are unrealistic lessons and experiments at the school.”

Daria SHARAY, the teaching assistant of the Department of Biology and Agronomy at Luhansk Taras Shevchenko National University.

 

“Science is for peace, education is for everyone!

From the ecology of the soul - to the ecology of the universe!

Dream. Act. Enjoy!

These are the words that I want to start my feedback on studying at the International Green School from July 2 to July 7, 2019.

I had a great opportunity to participate in a 5-day training at the International Green School. And since I first visited the [not] school for educators, I cannot but write about the Carpathians and Kosmach, where the school is located. The area impressed with its beauty: mountains, mountain river with waterfalls, flowering meadows ... This is a great place to study because nothing distracts from the process. An atmosphere of silence and unity with nature prepares you for productive work and learning new knowledge!

Iryna Anatoliivna Zhdanova, the founder of the International Green School, and the trainer in STEAM & DIGITAL methods, presented the concept of STrEAM education for educators, students and schoolchildren and described the international experience of its implementation in such countries as Israel, the USA, Lithuania and other countries.

Lyudmyla Oleksyuk taught us to allocate time and responsibilities using the SCRUM management, namely the SCRUM board that came in handy when teams implemented projects.

Throughout our training at Green STrEAM LABs, we have learned new teaching methods (Makey-Makey coding, chemistry and straw weaving, robotics and the arts) that can help:

  • Awaken interests among students to study general and special disciplines;
  • Apply the latest technologies to train the Z Generation;
  • Improve the quality of education, taking into account the specifics of educational institutions.

Innovation for me, as a lecturer, was the integration of free online applications (Zoom, Smore, Zeetings, Padlet, WhatsApp, etc.) into the learning environment. This is a new step in teaching that allows the teacher to work in a completely different, new environment that meets the requirements of modern youth. I will definitely use them in my practice!

Olga Berezan shared the secrets of successful teaching of a general education subject (using chemistry as an example), but I think that each of us has taken something useful, which concerns exactly ‘his/her own’ subject.

All participants felt emotional release taking parts in Hutsul dance masterclass (thanks to Oksana Lyndyuk, we learned to dance “Vinyk” (broom) and “Golubka” (female dove)), the yum-yum laboratory with Natalia Saran (we cooked delicious chocolate), art workshop with Natalia Overchuk’s straw weaving, making Easter eggs and a shadow theater). This gave the opportunity not only to study but also to show their creativity.

The International Green School is a place that brings together people not only from remote places of Ukraine but also participants from all over the world! These are new acquaintances and friendships, new impressions and new knowledge! I hope to visit it again. Staying here is an incredible pleasure! Incredible atmosphere! Cool training! Fiery dance!”

Anastasia BAYRACHNA, the lecturer in biology of the Regional Center for Vocational Education at Luhansk Taras Shevchenko National University (the Starobilsk Branch).

 

 

“A week has passed since we left Kosmach. The trip justified itself by 100%. Sometimes, even a vacation is not so pleasant. When I left for the International Green School, I could not imagine how useful, enjoyable and unforgettable this trip would be for me. In fact, what can unite students, teachers and educators in their education? But no, the Green School was able to teach each and every one! Up to this point, I considered myself a rather confident PC and Internet user as a whole, but, as it turned out, I did it the hard way. In a short time, without much programming knowledge, we were taught easy-to-use programs such as Canva and Landing.

“I was very impressed by the online program for teachers, Kahoot!; it was fast, convenient and fun for schoolchildren and students. But that's not all, except for learning new technologies, we have gained knowledge in the field of ‘self-development’, aimed at teamwork, creativity and mercy of human being. They did not forget about rest in the form of a change of activity; we mastered such new craft as straw weaving, learned how to build a smart robot with lego, and saw examples of interesting live mathematics. Well, what to say, we saw the Carpathians with our own eyes. This is a paradise on the earth. We are in love with this place forever. Sometimes, there is no time to say ‘thank you’. We had a very informative program and a very good atmosphere. Much love for children and nature. And for training. I have the honor to be here right now.”

Sophia HOLOVCHENKO-DUSHEVSKA, the 3rd year student, specialty in ecology, the Faculty of Natural Sciences at Luhansk Taras Shevchenko National University.

 

“Meetings at the International Green School are inspiring. Work with Easter eggs and straw weaving at art workshops helped plunge into origins of Ukrainian culture. Masterclasses in robotics, coding through Makey-Makey and making clay characters for a game had not left indifferent either experienced educators or young people, because gaming opened up the prospects of 21-st century education. Experienced experts familiarized the participants with the latest digital technologies that allowed you to build new educational trajectories (ZOOM, Smore, Kahoot!). Astronomical observations, the Hutsul dance master class, funny mathematics, ‘Yum-Yum Lab: Chemistry in the Kitchen’, the shadow theater in which everyone participated, an evening discussion club and the project teamwork promoted communication between participants of the training, revealed their potential capacity and creativity. The International Green School team unites Ukraine's educators with innovations.”

Svitlana SHKURKO, the methodist for distance education of the Education Department at the Myrnohrad City Council.

 

“Six days of intensive training at the International Green School are also lessons where you learn new methods and approaches to organize the educational process, a combination with art and master classes. The combination of non-classical methods and forms at the [not] school among the Carpathian sides inspires informal learning joined with physical activity and artistic creativity. New acquaintances, interesting communication, training sessions, Hutsul dances, a shadow theater and, sure, a friendly atmosphere leave an unforgettable impression. We thank the organizers for this event!”

Yurii KOVALYOV, the deputy secretary of the Admissions Committee at Volodymyr Dahl East Ukrainian National University, the head of the “Donbas-Ukraine” Education Center.

 

“It was a super nice company.”

Valentyna PYKALOVA, the senior lecturer of the Department of Computer Mathematics and Data Analysis at NTU “Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute”.

 

“I want to thank the team that organized our visit to the International Green School and, in such a short period of time, teamed us, and even more, we became one family. I want to thank for the experience I have gained and most importantly for the happiness of my daughter and the shining joy in her eyes that has been revived.”

Iryna GRUSHKOVSKA, the chief specialist of the Children Service at the Mariinka DSA, the student of Vasyl Stus Donetsk National University.

 

“There are a lot of positive experiences and a lot of educational information that can be used while working with children. When I came to the Green School, I did not know what was waiting for me. To visit Kosmach, I had to go by train for 35 hours. Of course, this time is enough for different thoughts. The road to Kosmach was long, the landscapes in a window changed from the beautiful to the most beautiful ones - the nature of the Carpathians around is horizons of incredible beauty. When I was in the Green School and saw a program of staying there, I was a little shocked because there was no free time. But training was very interesting, and you did not notice the time. Thanks to the training sessions and the discussion club with Halyna Kanafotska in the open air near a bonfire, I learned a lot for myself and got information to think. Iryna Zhdanova inspired us by stories about STrEAM education. SCRUM-management with Lyudmyla Oleksyuk proved to be simple and very convenient; I try to apply it in my work now. And Space Cocoa in the open air in the Carpathians had an energy boost and incredible emotions. I want to thank a lot to Natalia Overchuk for interesting STrEAM cases and robotics, Valentyna Pykalova for stories about the Green STrEAM LABS, Makey-Makey were complex processes in simple things, very easy and understandable, Iryna Yegorchenko for a talk on the openschooling principles - how to combine math and art, this information is a ‘bomb’ for my ideas, thank you so much. Teamwork is very good; you meet different people and share ideas. I have received a great deal of important information for thinking and positive emotions because lectures and training sessions outdoors in the Carpathians were incredible. Thank you so much for all 5 days; it was unsurpassed!”

Anna PUZACHOVA, the teacher at the Mariupol Building College.

 

“It was interesting and meaningful. The venue is fascinating. Nature is wonderful. It really adds energy and strength. A few days ago, classes at the International Green School ended, but memories about them remain. Meetings with interesting people, a new experience in organizing 21-st century education. During the session, educators, students and schoolchildren have become a joint team, in which they listen to and respect everyone, and give the opportunity to show creativity. We realized that science and art can and must be together. And the one who visited the Carpathians felt the breath of the mountains, admired the incredible starry sky, listened to the sound of streams and waterfalls, felt the local color, and he/she would never forget this region. Thanks to the organizers of the event for an unforgettable experience!”

Lilia MAKSYMENKO, the social teacher at the Pervomaisk Industrial and Pedagogical College.

 

“If you once have the opportunity to visit the International Green School, be sure to take advantage of it! The weekly session lasts for a moment, with one breath - lectures, exercises, debates, coffee in the open air, group work, Space Cocoa, presentations, discussions, Hutsul dances, walks to the waterfall and conversations again. The day at school ends long after midnight, but you do not feel the fatigue because like-minded people are near, and you feel incredible synergy; at the same time, you are simultaneously invigorated by the incredible beauty of nature.“Mediation in a mixed group - lecturers, teachers, students and schoolchildren - was very interesting for me. Work with trainers created a basis for reloading, for a thorough analysis of reality, thinking and planning of the future.“In a week, we received from Iryna Zhdanova a lot of necessary information about the Green Stream, project activity, startups, using the scrum management, etc.; from Olga Berezan, about features of work with gifted youth; we got to know about the use of modern educational technologies from Valentyna Pykalova, Natalia Vovkovynska and Iryna Yegorchenko; we had discussions on values with Halyna Kanafotska and master classes with Natalia Overchuk and Oksana Lyndyuk. It was interesting, sometimes unexpected. Teamwork is great. Thanks for the incredible feeling. It is a rhetorical question, for which I love the International Green School ... for extraordinary emotions that inspire further work, for synergy that ensures incredible results, for energy from a magical nature.”

Natalia Matsay, the dean of the Department of Natural Sciences at Luhansk Taras Shevchenko National University, Starobilsk.

 

 “I had an unforgettable experience staying at the International Green School. Lectures, debates and trainings were extremely interesting and useful; they presented me the latest technologies and learning tools, which is certainly important for my future work. Particularly memorable was the wonderful friendly atmosphere which prevailed in the school and talks with creative and talented personalities. The extraordinary atmosphere of the Green School was complemented by the picturesque landscapes of the Carpathians. Many thanks to all. Everything is wonderful, informative and interesting.”

Olga HUBSKA, the senior lecturer of the Department of Natural Sciences (the Sub-department of Landscape and Ecology) at Luhansk Taras Shevchenko National University.

 

“My stay at the International Green School in summer was unforgettable, although I have visited the Green School only twice. This time I liked it more because days were eventful despite every day was hour-by-hour planned. Nature and fresh Carpathian air did not allow us to get tired and inspired to continue studying and learning something new. We have got to know a lot of new and interesting things; we have visited the very beautiful places in Kosmach”.

Anastasia SARANA, the 8th grade student from the Secondary School-Kindergarten in Rubizhne.

 

 

“I spent unforgettable training days at the International Green School in the unique Carpathian landscape, near the stormy mountain river Stavnytsa and in the Kosmach village famous in songs and legends. The nature of the Carpathians and the positive mood of moderators encouraged participants every day. The OPEN GREEN STrEAM program was informative but, at the same time, exciting and interesting. I took a lot of useful information from each of the offered modules to further use it in my work as a teacher. Along with serious issues of modern education, we were able to learn ‘Pysankarstvo’ (making Easter eggs), ‘Straw weaving’, ‘Makey-Makey’, kinesiological gymnastics; we participated in the Hutsul dance master class. Our attention was drawn to SCRUM- planning, digital laboratories, which is, in my opinion, a guarantee of 100% fulfillment of targets, issues to maintain order in team work, create an open educational environment for modern children with their modern requirements to society. While studying at IGS, we created a project that aimed to implement teamwork, realize modern technologies (such as the Padlet platform) into education and make the teacher’s work easier, and facilitate students to learn better. Thank all the organizers of OPEN GREEN STrEAM for a treasury of knowledge that each of us brought home. It was interesting, cool and modern. If you invite, I'll come again. Studying at the International Green School is an extraordinary event in my life.”

Natalia KORZHOVA, the teaching assistant of the Department of Biology and Agronomy at Luhansk Taras Shevchenko National University.

 

“These words ‘Dream! Act! Enjoy!’ became my slogan exactly a year ago, and they will be with me all my life! I was my 4-th visit to the International Green School, but every time it was incredible in its way. This time again, an unforgettable meeting with Great Teachers waited for us... I was just delighted with the wonderful acquaintances with our students, schoolchildren-ambassadors and colleagues from Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts. Thank you for the opportunity to reveal myself, fulfill my dreams and forget about the war!”

Natalia SARANA, the teacher of geography, biology and chemistry at the communal educational complex “Secondary School of І-ІІ Levels № 5 - Pre-school Educational Institution (Kindergarten)” of the Rubizhne City Council, Luhansk Oblast.

 

“When they told about a shadow theater, I immediately wanted to participate. I asked Natalia Overchuk and got permission to become an actress in it. These impressions became the most striking during my time at IGS.”

Varvara GRUSHKOVSKA, the 3rd grade student of the Kurakhiv Secondary School I-III levels № 1.

 

“Frankly speaking, when I heard about the lullaby in the evening, I thought it would not be interesting. But seeing the real shadow theater, I was looking forward to the beginning of the performance. It was incredible! And now I want to take part and hold doll-talismans with my own hands!”

Iryna Matsay, the graduate of the Starobilsk Specialized Secondary School of I-III levels № 3.

 

“I really liked that I could build different robots using Lego. It was fun. We have also learned to write programs, select a temperature and a speed. Such a set develops hand motility, programming ability and helps with personal development. I would like to become an engineer in the future!”

Glib Tishyn, the 5th grade student of the Secondary School I level - Gymnasium.

 

“I never thought I would be able to learn new technologies and tools of the 21st century, but I received the opportunity to study at the International Green School. There was a very large flow of information and novelty from various programs. I was surprised by the combination of technical sciences and humanities.

“I liked working with LEGO and Makey-Makey most of all; we installed programs ourselves and had many abilities that struck me.

“Today, robots play an important role in the development of industry and technological progress in most countries. Soon they will become more used in daily routine. Skillfulness, speed and power of robots exceed capabilities of the man and make their lives easier. Even a small robot, like what we built with Natalia Vadymivna, even though it was a toy, had many abilities that impressed us.”

Anatolii TSYURYUKANOV, the 3rd year student, specialty “Secondary Education. Geography”, the Department of Natural Sciences at Luhansk Taras Shevchenko National University.

 

“I suggest my blog on the Livyi Bereh site - LB.UA - for consideration and a short video clip that show how young people and their teachers from the East sing the anthem of Ukraine. Here are candid considerations. Maybe, they are too emotional. About the youth. Innovation. War and peace. 10 minutes. My strong advice for those who make a decision is to read it very much. Or who affects their taking.

“‘It just so happens that the Green School attracts extremely beautiful and strong personalities. We can be friends with some of them on FB for years, and devirtualization takes place there, at IGS’, so it was with Natalia Matsay, the dean of the Department of Natural Sciences at Luhansk Taras Shevchenko National University. A year ago, we held our first training at the International Green School for educators from the East. The participants of the first Science & Digital [not} School for educators, along with our incredible ambassadors, students, and schoolchildren, have just returned home, to the East. I do not believe that the new power will build peace and trust. And I believe in the synergy of youth, educators and civil society to promote trust, peace and green space preserving. Do you think that 21-st century education is impossible in a high mountainous Ukrainian village without roads? But no! We've been already registered in #kahoot. It was a historic moment for us. And do you know with whom? We did it with the leading teacher of robotics Natalia Vovkovynska, who works for such leading state educational institutions as the Children's Engineering Academy and the Ukrainian Physical and Mathematical Lyceum. Together with educators from the East.

P.S. Pinch me;) ... I've been dreaming about it for so long ... Happiness is in the world!).”

Iryna ZHDANOVA, the founder of the International Green School, the trainer of STrEAM & DIGITAL methods (MASHAV, Israel), the executive director of the NGO “Open Policy Foundation” and PhD in History.