After successfully completing my first exam, I had the privilege of spending a formative year at a Montessori school. This time laid the foundation for my pedagogical philosophy and way of working, which would continue to develop in the following years.
The beginning of an educational journey
2021 marked the start of my legal clerkship in Bavaria, an intensive two-year process that would further shape my views on education and teaching. The first year was characterized by internships, observations and learning from experienced colleagues at various schools. This period of reflection and learning was crucial in questioning and refining my own beliefs and methods.
The discovery of the Chur model
The traditional frontal teaching practiced in many schools does not resonate with my innermost beliefs about learning. Inspired by my time at the Montessori school, I looked for an approach that promotes the individuality and potential of each child. During the summer holidays, when I was preparing to take over my first class, I discovered the Churer model.
A revelation in pedagogy
A random Instagram video became the catalyst for a profound change in my teaching practice. Fascinated by the principles and flexibility of the Chur model, I deepened my knowledge through specialized training and exchanges with teachers who have already successfully implemented this approach. The Chur model, still a blank slate in Germany, became the heart of my pedagogical practice.
The Transformation of the Classroom
From day 1 of my second year of traineeship, I integrated the Churer model into my teaching. It was a natural extension of my beliefs and experiences and allowed me to create a learning environment based on each student's individual needs, strengths and interests. Away from rigid frontal teaching towards a dynamic, reactive and supportive learning environment that enables every child to develop their full potential.
Conclusion
My journey from Montessori pedagogy to the Chur model is a tale of discovery, growth and transformation. Every experience, every encounter, and every concept learned helped shape the teacher I am today. In an ever-changing educational landscape, a willingness to adapt, learn and evolve is not only a necessity but also an opportunity to make learning more enriching, meaningful and individualized for our students.