03/05/2016
Text and Photos: Luiz Paulo Juttel – Ascom ISD

A different school, where students seek solutions to daily problems and build the future of the institution in partnership with educators. This is how the three units of the Science Education Center (CEC) of Santos Dumont Institute (ISD), in Natal-RN, Macaíba-RN and Serrinha-BA.

At the beginning of each academic year, CEC students hold an assembly to debate, find solutions and commit to acting on issues related to the proper functioning of the Centers. This year, assemblies with students took place in April.

The assembly begins with the presentation of the Center's professionals, including those who work in support areas such as reception, security and cleaning. It is noteworthy that everyone within the institution performs, to some extent, the role of educating students. Next, the standards necessary for the collective organization of the CEC are presented and duly substantiated, common attitudes are combined and issues and problems are discussed that require the commitment of students in the search for collective solutions for them.

Students bring to discussion at the 2016 assembly topics that were previously raised with their teachers. They discuss issues related to public transport to the CEC, healthy snack options, rules for games in the cafeteria or common spaces, during breaks and loaning books from the library for students. Every agreed proposal is voted on and students commit to complying with what is decided.

The participation of students in these assemblies encourages them to put forward their own ideas and substantiate them with increasing frequency and relevance, in addition to becoming more consciously involved in caring for others and the materials and spaces they use.

The assemblies also help to increase students' awareness regarding the fulfillment of duties, the need to develop attitudes of solidarity, to participate and be responsible towards themselves and the school as a whole and to criticize and raise problems followed by suggestions for improvement. its resolution. CEC teachers evaluate the assemblies orally or in writing with their students later.

For the CEC Natal student, Rafaela Oliveira de Paiva, aged 14, “the assemblies are very important, as they share with the students what is happening at the Center and they can give their opinion and suggest ways to improve the environment. The information doesn’t just stay with the teachers.”