Introspective Values and Learning

By Florian Lauffer, Secondary Mathematics Teacher

If the goal is to allow students to thrive in today and tomorrow’s world, which aspects of an education do you value most? While on a one-year hiatus from teaching Mathematics at Bangkok Patana School in 2021/22, I found myself often reflecting on this question. The differences in curriculum, facilities and opportunities abroad (some positive, some negative) have given me new appreciation for what makes Bangkok Patana a special school.

The Guiding Mission, Vision and Values at Bangkok Patana are a good starting point to answer the opening question. It is clear to me that a school that values well-being, learning and global citizenship will develop students who will shape the world and achieve their potential. In this small introspective, I will share a smaller subset of these values and aspects of Bangkok Patana that I missed abroad, and why I believe they are important in today’s context.

Well-Being Focused – Well-being is the most important of our values and hence the first that gets mentioned. The role that teachers, tutors, counsellors, Heads of Year and leadership play is truly fantastic. A student is more than the sum of individual subjects and to know that my children and students have access and oversight from caring staff on multiple levels is very assuring.

Critical Thinking – My favourite question this year: “Is Mathematics invented or is it discovered?”. Teaching in the IB Diploma Programme where Theory of Knowledge is one of the central components means that students engage with the most relevant question in today’s world. “How do we know?”. In an era of polarizing politics and algorithm-fuelled social media feeds, asking questions about knowledge and how one can be sure is a valuable skill.

Rigorous – External examinations in Key Stages 4 and 5 ensure that the level to which we prepare our students is to a recognized international standard. Teachers and students work together as a team to help fulfil potential. In Mathematics, having success with routine questions will not be enough. A student hoping to achieve a strong result must apply their knowledge that spans different areas of the subject, while selecting and applying correct techniques in a variety of situations. Knowing when and how to use the tools at one’s disposal is much more important than being able to solve predictable problems. A comment that was shared last year: “Mr Lauffer, this problem on the test was not in my homework.” At Bangkok Patana and in the IB Diploma Programme, key skills must be used appropriately, sometimes in novel ways and spanning many topics to be successful. This type of problem-solving and depth of knowledge certainly develops a student’s capacity to accept and adapt to future challenges in the real world.

Balanced – Finally back after so many disruptions throughout the last two COVID years, seeing students develop in extra-curricular activities (ECAs) outside of the classroom is great. Learning how to negotiate, accept setbacks, be humble, be supportive, be inclusive and develop as a collaborative team member are only a few of the benefits that one can find in the ECA programme. No matter the future path, having a balanced life is important and the ECAs certainly start our students by role modelling this.

Returning to the opening question, “Which aspects of education do I value most?” I feel confident that if our children feel supported, have access to a stimulating, critical and rigorous curriculum and can find that work/life balance, I would be very happy with the prospect of them being ready for many of the challenges that await. I am optimistic for their future!