As a society, we have been conditioned to believe that rules are necessary for maintaining order and discipline. However, this belief is not entirely true. In fact, too many rules can stifle creativity, discourage critical thinking, and limit our potential (a perfect example is MicroFinancing that Prof Yunus created; it has no rules/contracts and a 99% success rate on all female loans).
That's why we created the world’s first institution with:
- NO teachers
- NO homework and
- NO rules
We have all heard of the growth mindset and its benefits, from Carol Dweck, watch it here.
- Yes, students can use Chat GPT to do 100% of tasks (we actually encourage them to do so).
- Yes, students can scroll through TikTok and their favorite social media in class (we even dance and do funny videos together with them, and most importantly it is where they create their company’s promo videos/strategies).
- Yes, our programs have a pitch in the final week, but no - not everyone needs to be on stage to pitch (because like in the real world, some of us prefer to be project managing from backstage).
- Yes, students can work on any project, charity, or business idea of their choice (we only live once, let's do what we love and work on passion projects that matter to us).
- Yes, students can work in groups, individually, or change groups every week (yes, just like in the real world where our friendships, interests, and jobs change).
As a result, what have I seen across 100% of our classes in 130+ countries:
- Passion: Our legends come to our classes super excited and with a big smile at all times.
- Engagement (even though we have zero homework): Our legends very often contact us on email or Instagram, sharing their progress and/or asking questions because they are too anxious and excited to wait until the next week’s class.
- Community replaces control: Our legends mentor each other and celebrate each other’s success. Check it out here.
- Productivity: As they are working on something they love, rules give way to trust and open communication. Students learn to manage their time, resolve conflicts, and navigate challenges independently, fostering valuable life skills.
- Independence: Learning becomes self-directed, driven by individual interests and projects, not pre-packaged curricula.
- Confidence: Open dialogue overtakes our classes; sometimes it's actually tricky as all of them want to take the mic and share their comments/ideas, it’s so cool.
Let's collaborate, email me at paula.mills@aestudy.com
Project Manager / MIEAust, GMICE, GradIEM, HTETD
10moMaybe one rule, everyone has to wear glasses.😎 Great photo and inspiring stuff, Paula! Your innovative approach at AE is making waves and challenging the status quo. It's refreshing to see someone daring to break away from the norm and pave their own path. Your efforts are truly making an impact!
CEO @ KERB | Smart Parking | Smart Cities | PropTech Solutions for your Building(s) | KERB-side Mobility Solutions | International Keynote Speaker/Conference Presenter
10moGreat post, Paula. The ‘movement’ you have started at AE is truly inspiring. (Why not ‘zig’, when every other school, college and university is ‘zagging’…??). Keep up the great work.