It’s a clear structure to stimulate systems-thinking, because all the steps are linked. Each step is a step through the ‘multiple society’ and also a phase in the learning process. In each step there’s enough space for the learner and the teacher to be flexible, active and creative. That is why didactics are synchronised with society and young people.
The learner is the sense opened citizen. He/she is open and perceptive to new information and knowledge. Knowledge is the basis for creativity as are empathy and tolerance towards the other. “The disciplined mind” and “the respectful mind” start to develop at this step.
The learner with a “disciplined mind” is able to gather information and knowledge from various given entry points, using his/her multiple intelligences. He/she becomes the knowledge-based citizen. This stage is democratic, because it respects and stimulates each individual learner.
Learner becomes personally involved. The active citizen applies his/her knowledge and skills actively and creatively by dealing various issues from real life. Young people need to develop a “synthesizing mind” and a “creative mind” in order to be successful in problem-solving. They learn cooperative as well.
The communicative citizen shares his/her experience with others, using various forms of expression such as dance, music to texts and paintings. The individual proceeds to develop “the creative mind”.
This step is a productive phase and learner-centred. At this stage the learner has already gained sufficient and relevant knowledge to be able to work autonomously. He/she visualizes or ‘audiolizes’ what he/she has learned so far. The individual has further developed “the synthesizing mind” and becomes the productive citizen.
The learner presents his product or result to other learners and the teacher. He shares his product also with young people in other quadrants through MSN. This is ‘the cooperative citizen’ , developing the ‘synthesizing mind’ and ‘respectful mind’.
Learner has developed and internalized a strong system of norms and values by this stage. He/she has become the reflective citizen, who understands the reality well and respects the others. The individual learner at this stage uses “the respectful mind” and “the ethical mind”* to reflect on past work.
Further reading: “Five minds for the future” by Howard Gardner.
