2.3 Agora schools

Agora schools, which also originated in the Netherlands, have a slightly different approach compared to eduScrum. In Agora schools, students enjoy more freedom as they get to decide what topics they want to work on. Learning takes place by tackling "Challenges," which involve choosing and working on subjects that students are genuinely interested in, find useful for their own learning, and want to explore through solving, investigating, and experimenting.

At Agora schools, teachers transition into the role of coaches. They support students' learning processes by guiding them in selecting learning Challenges. Coaches hold daily morning meetings with students and additional meetings throughout the day to provide support. They assist in aligning the working plan, listen to students' difficulties, answer questions, and help them acquire the necessary knowledge through personalized lessons or by connecting students with experts. Coaches are actively engaged in facilitating the learning journey.

Students at Agora schools learn by addressing Challenges and attending inspirational sessions and workshops conducted by coaches, parents, and other experts. Parents also play a significant role as experts with specialized knowledge.

Students have the freedom to choose their learning Challenges, with the guidance of their coaches. Once a Challenge is chosen, the student prepares a plan for the work ahead, estimates the time required to complete the Challenge, and identifies the tools, people, and locations needed. Everything and everyone are considered resources for their learning journey. The student presents the plan to a group, including the coach and students of varying ages. Once the plan is approved by the coach, students start working step by step to solve the Challenge.

Students maintain a logbook to record progress, including photos, written entries with acquired knowledge or personal reflections, the names of individuals who contributed to the process, and essential locations. Students prepare a final product related to the Challenge they selected and present it to the group. Later, students reflect on the learning process, including successes, failures, and areas for improvement in solving future learning Challenges. This reflection is done together with the coach.

At Agora schools, each student follows a personalized learning path, and coaches and tools support them in completing their secondary education with a diploma and national exam.