In the time of Covid-19

As a brief introduction, my name is Lorena Zurbano and I am an educator (originally from Madrid) based in London, with a background in research in language learning.

A decade ago, when I first started this edublog, I was intending to switch my work as a school-based teacher/teacher trainer to language online tuition. Perhaps my studies as an online learner (MA in teaching Spanish as a foreign language) helped me to feel immediately comfortable in the new environment.

More recently, 3 years ago, we were informed of the sudden closure of  my daughters’ school, and after some discussions we decided to give her a choice between all the options available locally and she opted for Home Education (not so much Home-based learning though!) alongside most of her school friends. I kept working online supporting Alevels and GCSE tests taking learners and in the system. One thing I learnt is that if you wish to pass a test then tutors or school may help, but if you want to become a proficient language speaker, then this goal can not be achieved by taking tests and passing GCSEs. Even when you may achieve an A* in these standardised tests.

 I can comfortably say that the last three years have been my Phd in education and HE was the best possible decision we have ever made as parents. As a family we are happier. One of the benefits among many is that we no longer need to fulfil school’s needs and have the freedom to follow the child's rhythms, strengths and interests. Of course, we also are able to travel off season to practice languages !

For the last year and since April 2019, inspired by my experience as a home educator, I have been working towards creating a learning space for multigenerational, mixed-aged, socially minded and with a students’ self-directed approach in mind- and I named the project Metaforlearning.  

 This is an ed research project, and a series of workshops run in three different locations (A drama school, a Leisure centre and a Museum), for young people to explore the principles of Self-Managed Learning, movement and art.

Since Sept 2019, we are based at RADA (Royal Academy of Dramatic Art) in central London, and offer workshops to young people following a personalised learning programme, either:

•  Flexi-schooling 

• Self-directed ed 

• community-Learning (Self-Managed Learning), 

• Informal education 

• Home-based learning, 

• Unschooling.

In the times of Covid-19, there are further blended-learning opportunities being offered, including language learning opportunities- all ages and experience welcome!

Our virtual environment will be used for the needs of an active and participatory community; a space where people regardless of age may have a voice in its function. This is a space with a participatory culture. 

if your interest is specifically in learning Spanish, please fill in this form:  FORM

If you wish to stay up-to-date with the project, please follow Meta4L on social media and check Meta4L's website:  www.metaforlearning.org

Thanks for reading.. it wasn’t that brief!