Transformation in Jesuit education and the Horizon 2020 project have become synonymous. We have asked you, the Educate Magis community, to share your thoughts on this project and we received a generous number of answers in English, Spanish, French and Portuguese. Thanks to all who contributed to the survey. In this article we would like to highlight the salient topics from the survey. The chart below summarizes the answers. Interestingly, nobody said there was no need for transformation in education!

1. Transformation is holistic

The Horizon 2020 project assumes transformation in different areas:

• Transformation of the spaces. Architecture must serve the mission of the schools

“The spatial and temporal reconfiguration of school draws attention in this proposal. I admired the fact that we have larger classes with the presence of two educators and work with projects.”

Furthermore:

“The project shows a new conception of the classroom not only as a physical space but also as a new conception in the way that students learn. Where the teacher’s role is to orient and motivate students and students take responsibility for their learning, with autonomy, group spirit, leadership and accountability in the art of learning to learn”.

• Transformation of the comprehension of learning

The transformation of the spaces was a significant piece in change that implied a new concept of the classroom, the teachers’ role, the use of technology and the evaluation system of the school.

“The natural integration of areas of knowledge and personal growth of and with the students. The teachers have an authentic role of facilitator of learning and guided discovery.”

The globalization of materials and the evaluation by competences were also highlighted.

“There is a change in the role of the teacher and of the student. A flexible schedule created with the needs and interests of students. Well-lit, colorful and flexible spaces which work in unison with the integral formation of students”.

• Transformation in the vision of the school

Horizon 2020 also means transformation of the way schools work. There is an active involvement of the teachers and a decided participation of the leaders of the school community.

“Its vision and ability to be forward thinking – to turn ideas and thoughts into action” and “the ability to do teamwork and make a holistic change beyond the classroom strategies”.

Horizon 2020 is a courageous process that has transformed the vision of the school and promoted the participation of different stakeholders of the school community.

“I was impressed and overwhelmed by the conviction, commitment and community involvement of the project. I salute the team that is spearheading this project for this path breaking project.”

“First, that you were able to get 8 schools to give up their independence to work collaboratively!  Second, not so much that the innovations were drastically new, but that you were actually DOING it!”

2. Horizon 2020 is all about the students

Something that is very consistent among many answers is the idea that the transformation of Horizon 2020 is student-driven and will benefit the students as the main actors of the schools.

“The focus on active engagement by students as the best way to help them develop intellectually over the long run.”

Expectations have also been expressed: “There was a good emphasis on students using technology to engage with the wider virtual community. But I was hoping to see something on Personalized Learning Environment and the role that Digital Pedagogies can play.”

“Student centered and teacher collaboration” and similarly “the students are at the center of the educational process. It is crucial to accompany them in their formation”.

“I strongly believe that What matters most is what learners DO with what they know as they become catalysts for change – contributors, not just partakers, in building a better world.  And the Horizon 2020 Project is such a fertile avenue by removing barriers to innovation.”

3. Horizon 2020 is a process that innovates the mission of Jesuit Education

Some answers highlight the process – grounded in Ignatian Spirituality – that led to the transformation of the schools that envision the future of Jesuit education. Although, it the project is based in Barcelona, people from around the world are attracted to the process to see if they can benefit from this transformation that might be implemented in different places.

“I believe it presents a vision for the future of education grounded deeply in Ignatian spirituality. The intentional focus on the formation of the individual student, and the relationship to others and the world is very important.”

“The innovation was/is breath-taking. It shows what can be done. Where there is a will, there is a way!”

A respondent highlighted the benefits of Horizon 2020 as:

“The motivation to change.  The renewal of a leadership style at the core of the education of the Jesuits.  The courage to break down walls that blocked new ways of thinking”

It is great to have the courage to think differently. Visualizing a new educational model and think that it is possible to implement it.

“I Fell in love with the project so much I will attend the Symposium in Barcelona next July during my vacation time. I am impressed with the new approach to education, considering the nature of today’s teenagers, the motivation aspects considered, the new technologies used, the entire construction of the project involving the whole educational community of the schools and so on. The project seems to answer many questions about education.”

      “I think it’s an opportunity to change education not only in the classroom.”