how we learn at ASE
Our Learning Model
The African School for Excellence Model focuses on two specific pain-points of the African education system: the quality of education provided and the cost of providing high-quality education. Our unique model takes a structured approach to tackling both of these challenges while taking into account the fact that any successful model must also be scalable. Without solving both of these problems simultaneously, a good education will only be available to a fraction of the population and will limit the enormous latent potential of talented individuals who have the abilities to transform their communities and, indeed, the country and continent.
What does learning look like using the ASE Model?
- Peer-based Learning. All ASE lessons feature peer-based learning,
strategically set in the scholars’ Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD).
Developmental psychology research has revealed
that the best learning occurs just ahead of development, when challenges
are too difficult to be comfortable, but not so difficult as to cause the
scholar to give up. By working in teams on work too difficult for any one
individual, scholars build on one another’s knowledge and simultaneously
develop creative problem solving, analytical reasoning, and leadership skills.
- High-quality Instruction. The quality of a school cannot exceed the quality of its teachers . ASE makes sure that each scholar receives quality instruction from a highly trained teacher in every lesson, using a thorough, professionally developed and locally tested lesson plan. Careful utilisation of all teacher time allows to maximise its most valuable resource: the expert teacher.
- Independent Practice. Daily independent practice serves three important functions. First, “deliberate practice”, in which the scholar works at the edge of his or her ability and receives frequent, immediate feedback, has been proven to drastically increase learning speed when compared to traditional instruction . Second, scholars learn to work independently and reach mastery on their own, preparing them for university and beyond. Scholars can develop a love of reading, and a love for creative, independent pursuits. Third, scholars gain valuable computer skills integrated into the learning of other subjects.
Subjects Offered