Introduction
“The purpose of education is not creating solutions, but creating movement in education in which people develop their own solutions with external support based on the personalized curriculum.“
Ken Robinson, Internationally Acclaimed Expert on Creativity and Innovation
Education was and still continues to be the mediator to a better life: wealth, equality, humanity, and peace. Achieving education is believed to promote integration and emancipation, end discrimination and prejudice, and solve the challenges of the future.
However, the current political, economic and social developments of the world have proven that current education is not powerful enough to guarantee the happiness for all and every one of us. Moreover, the education system itself has been constantly changing. Educational institutions found themselves in permanent reforms trying to catch up with the rapidly changing world.
In educational circles, some question the relevance of current approaches. When the internet offers information at the click of a mouse, what’s the point of education and pedagogy? Under the pressure of maintaining high performance, education has been reduced to securing tested skills as an end in itself. Education is no longer for the purpose of developing a vision of ourselves and of the society we would like to live in.
To redress the balance a bit, this Summer School proposes a vision of education capable of promoting young people’s distinctive powers of thought and action, a platform for a robust exchange of views on some of the biggest issues (e.g. How to effectively help those most vulnerable.) facing our world at a time when it is desperately needed.
The sessions will enable students to learn key concepts and issues surrounding the educational topics and give them a broad and international perspective on education.
The Summer School builds upon robust continental European intellectual traditions of encouraging young people to espouse ideas and embrace their role as public intellectuals.
Objectives
The Summer School will address the issues of effective teaching and mediating knowledge in the current world. We will investigate what is the role of the teacher starting from the early days to the lifelong learning processes; it will explore the new trends in teaching and look into their effectiveness. We will also examine how other social agents – parents, tutors and peers – (may) contribute to the education process.
The program will therefore enable students to learn key concepts and discuss critical issues surrounding the field, eventually providing them with a broad, international perspective on current discussion on education. Visit ACADEMICS to find out more about the program.
Practicalities
The classes will be held at the Prague Summer Schools venue (Marianeum, Machova 7, Vinohrady, Prague 2, website). Accommodation will be provided to students in double rooms at the accommodation facilities in the venue or Hotel Ametyst which is located within a walking distance from the venue. Each room is equipped with a shower, WC, satellite TV, Internet connection and telephone. Meals provided by the organizer will include breakfasts served in the hotel and dinners in restaurant located nearby the Summer School venue. As the days are demanding there will be coffee, tea and small snack available free of charge during the breaks between lectures.
Application Procedure
Although there are application deadlines, students are accepted on rolling basis. In order to allow time to carefully review all student application materials, an e-mail notifying the application status to Prague Summer Schools will be sent to applicants approximately 14 days after the application is received. Applications received by the early bird application deadline of January 31st will receive preference in admission decisions. Late applications may be considered. However, late applicants run the risk of finding the program full. All students will be informed about admissions decisions by April 1. Participants will be selected according to the following three criteria:
- Educational Background (Year, Grade Point Average and Area of Study)
- Statement of Purpose
- Level of English (if applicable)
Approximately 30 students will be admitted to every program of Prague Summer School. We intend to restrict the class size to ensure interactive courses and discussions. We aim to create a truly international student body. Students must be currently enrolled in a college or university or be recent graduates. The Prague Summer Schools admit both undergraduate and graduate level students. Priority will be given to students with at least some academic background related to the topics of Prague Summer Schools. Nevertheless, students of other academic backgrounds, but with strongly demonstrated interest in the Summer School topic, will be considered on an equal basis. Students admitted to Prague Summer Schools are expected to participate fully in the program by attending all classes, lectures and social events.
Program cost
The program fee for early-bird applications: 720 EUR
The program fee for students who submit their applications after January 31st: 790 EUR
The program fee covers:
- Tuition and reading materials
- Accommodation in double rooms for one week
- Half board which includes breakfasts, dinners and coffee breaks
- Prague public transportation tickets and maps
- Site visits, social program, and cultural and special events (e.g. boat tour on the Moldau River, tours of Prague by a local homeless and farewell dinner).
Students are responsible for their travel to Prague, lunches and personal expenses. You can find more information about eating out in Prague here.
The individual deadlines for the receipt of payment will be stated in the official letter of acceptance. Payment plans can be arranged. The final deadline for receiving payments is 1 May.
Scholarships
Unfortunately, as a non-profit organization, SCHOLA EMPIRICA is not able to provide students with financial aid. Nonetheless, we do encourage students to explore funding opportunities available through their home universities, non-governmental organizations and government sources.
Who can apply?
PSS are open to students (both undergraduate and graduate level) and recent graduates who wish to deepen or broaden their knowledge in a specific field.
You need to apply through the online application which you can find in the homepage of the announcement.
For more information click "Further official information" below.
This opportunity has expired. It was originally published here:
http://praguesummerschools.org/education/