Mr. Potato, an English teacher from Yanji, Jilin, China, known for his creative and engaging teaching style, recently visited Finland. During the visit, Mr. Potato explored new educational approaches at the Experience Workshop in Crazy Town, Jyväskylä. Mr. Potato documented his insights in two YouTube videos, highlighting playful learning, STEAM education, Finnish education, and global collaboration in teaching.
A Visit to Crazy Town: Exploring Playful Learning and Finnish Education
Mr. Potato’s first video features Dr. Kristof Fenyvesi, STEAM Director of Experience Workshop and a researcher at the Finnish Institute for Educational Research discussing Finland’s approach to education and the importance of playful learning. “At Crazy Town, we’re not called crazy because of our minds, but because of our passion—our crazy dedication to education!” Dr. Fenyvesi explains that their goal is to bring the most engaging and innovative learning tools to children worldwide.
The Power of Playful Learning
One of the fundamental beliefs is that learning should be engaging and interactive. Play is a natural way for children—and all living beings—to learn. Dr. Fenyvesi says, “We have compiled our insights and research into our book, Playful Learning in Early Childhood Education in Finland, written in collaboration with experienced Finnish early childhood educators and researchers.” This book features over 100 engaging games that help children explore multiple subjects simultaneously, making learning a holistic experience rather than just a collection of separate topics. Watch Mr. Potato’s full video to learn more:
Well-being in Finland: A Visit to Experience Workshop at Crazy Town
In the second video, Mr. Potato gives viewers a tour of Crazy Town and showcases the diverse educational tools at Experience Workshop. This creative hub brings together startups, educators, and tech experts to develop innovative learning experiences. During the visit, Mr. Potato had the chance to explore a variety of educational tools designed for hands-on, project-based learning. Experience Workshop offers a range of engaging activities that support STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) education, helping learners develop problem-solving skills while having fun.
Some highlights of the experience included:
- 4D Frame: A powerful tool for teaching mathematics and engineering through hands-on construction.
- Mondrian Blocks: A puzzle-based game that enhances logical thinking and spatial awareness.
- Smart Egg: A progressive set of challenges that improve fine motor skills and patience.
- Nodus: A creative and culturally inspired activity that combines art with problem-solving.
- Robotics & Programming: Rangers Classroom Coding Kit – A hands-on approach to learning coding and engineering concepts.
These activities not only provided an engaging learning experience, but also demonstrated the potential of gamified education in fostering curiosity and creativity in students of all ages.
Bridging Cultures Through Learning
One of the most inspiring aspects of this visit was seeing international collaboration in action. Experience Workshop meets students and educators from different backgrounds, all sharing a passion for innovative learning methods. With thousands of students in Finland and beyond benefiting from these educational tools, it’s clear that Experience Workshop is making a global impact.
To see all the mentioned tools in action and take a tour of Crazy Town in Jyväskylä, Finland, check out Mr. Potato’s second video below!
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