For more than 25 years, FHI 360 has implemented Active Schools in Guatemala, Nicaragua, Peru, and El Salvador, as well as in Equatorial Guinea, where the model has benefited more than 126,000 students. Active Schools is based on Escuela Nueva, which was developed to improve the quality of education in multigrade schools in rural Colombia. Led by founders Oscar Mogollón and Marina Solano, Active Schools has evolved as FHI 360 has expanded, adapted and applied the model at the preschool, primary and secondary levels.
Active Schools is an integrated pedagogical approach that emphasizes student-centered learning and strong school–community connections, ensuring that students learn both inside and outside of the classroom. The model is comprised of five principal elements:
- Collaborative and individualized learning using the Learn-Practice-Apply methodology
- Resources, such as student learning guides and resource libraries
- Teachers and teacher training to help educators to redefine their roles as facilitators of student learning, authors of materials and researchers
- Coaching for teachers by content specialists and advisors, and teacher learning circles
- Community and stakeholder engagement including families, community leaders and ministries of education
The Active Schools approach promotes collaboration, reflection and inquiry to ensure that all students obtain a high-quality education. To facilitate student-centered learning, the role of the teacher is transformed from lecturer to facilitator. Teacher learning circles provide otherwise isolated teachers with a mechanism to connect with their peers, reflect on their practice, exchange ideas and receive peer support. FHI 360 is conducting a cross-country comparative analysis that explores the relationship between participation in teacher learning circles and teaching practices in developing countries.
