I recently visited the "Mecca" for all tech enthusiasts - MIT.
I came here to take a look at how the system that produces so many geniuses actually work. And honestly? The secret isn’t in the walls or the budget. It’s in the mindset.
Here are 3 key insights I’m bringing back home to adopt in our school:
1. Real work, not just homework. MIT has a program called UROP. Students get involved in real research with professors right from the start. It’s not an "after-school club" — it’s a normal part of the process.
My takeaway: Learning only works when you build real things and take responsibility for the results. Discussing theory is the past. Students need to be creators, not just listeners.
2. The power of hitting "pause" (IAP). I was amazed by their January program (IAP). For a few weeks, the regular schedule stops. Why? To give students time for flexible learning, independent experiments, and research.
My takeaway: We often push kids too hard with grades and deadlines. But big ideas are often born during "free swimming" periods. We need to give them space to breathe and experiment.
3. Interdisciplinary approach. The IT pro of the future isn’t just a geek in a hoodie staring at a monitor. At MIT, tech students study art, biology, and ethics.
My takeaway: Coding shouldn't exist in a vacuum. We need to mix subjects. Code + Biology. Code + Music. That’s where the "unicorns" are born.
Bottom line: The future of education isn’t about "memorize and pass." It’s about "explore and create." My goal isn’t just to teach kids Python. It’s to bring this MIT mindset here, to our students.
Work in progress
