Elias Perez: Esslingen entrepreneur fights educational problem in the classroom!

Elias Perez: Esslingen entrepreneur fights educational problem in the classroom!

What can be done when students with different backgrounds and learning backgrounds learn together? Elias Perez, a young entrepreneur from Esslingen, is facing exactly this challenge and wants to use his idea to tackle a major problem in school lessons. He has recently attracted a lot of attention with his approach to increasing equal opportunities in school classrooms. As the Esslinger newspaper reports, Perez aims to provide targeted support to students in heterogeneous classes that differ greatly in their abilities.

Heterogeneity in school classes is not a new topic, but it is often underestimated. From migration backgrounds to different levels of ability to special learning needs – all of these factors bring a colorful mix to the school desk. In fact, students often have very different requirements for subjects such as math, German or biology. As the Federal Agency for Civic Education notes, it is not just individual skills that come into play here, but also social and cultural backgrounds that impact learning.

The challenges in schools

At a time when schools should promote the equal right to education for all students, the question arises as to how teachers can deal with this diversity. According to the Quality offensive for teacher training Future teachers must be prepared during their studies so that they can convey appreciation for all children - regardless of their differences. Unfortunately, this is often easier said than done. Relationships and a listening ear could make a big difference here, but this is not always reflected in teaching practice.

The challenges in school education are particularly great when one considers that heterogeneity is not just a question of knowledge. Different performance levels, genders, milieus and ethnicities require specific approaches. Open forms of teaching could help, but they are not without criticism. Some fear that teachers will be overwhelmed or that individual differences will not be sufficiently taken into account. At the same time, one should not forget that social constructions play an important role - heterogeneity is not a natural law, but something that is shaped by social conditions.

Strategies for improvement

Innovative approaches are necessary for schools to meet this diverse challenge. Projects like the “Dortmund Profile for Inclusion-Oriented Teacher Training” show what a restructuring of teacher training can look like. Curricula are being redesigned and new teaching formats are being developed to make learning inclusive.

Digital tools play a big role here. The “TUD-SYLBER” project at the Technical University of Dresden has already been able to develop a digital self-learning tool that supports teachers and teachers in creating inclusive teaching materials. These opportunities are important not only to convey the principles of diversity and appreciation, but also to create practical benefits.

So when we talk about learning in the future, we should not only focus on new technologies, but above all on the people who teach them. Only with appropriate awareness and an open approach can the differences in the class really be taken into account and used.

In summary, many steps are already being taken in the right direction to create an equitable learning environment for all students. What is missing is broad support for such concepts so that teachers and students can thrive in this complex environment.