Learning by doing — for real
Students work on challenges that matter to them. They investigate, develop ideas, talk to real people, test their assumptions and learn from what they discover.
Along the way, they build creativity, critical thinking and collaboration skills — and experience something even more important: their ideas matter, they make choices and take action.
Two ways to start
Student-led challenges
With their teachers, students identify challenges that matter to them — at school, in their community or in their own lives. On day one, they pitch them and form teams around shared interests.
A challenge from the school
The school can bring a real challenge it wants students to explore. Students investigate it from their perspective and develop their own ideas — with no predetermined “right” answer.
Three workshops, three weeks
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BEFORE — DISCOVER
Find something worth exploring
Students identify challenges they care about — or explore a challenge set by the school.
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WORKSHOP 1 — EXPLORE
Pitch, team up & investigate
Students choose challenges, form teams and find out what they know, assume and still need to learn.
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WORKSHOP 2 — CREATE & VALIDATE
Turn learning into possibilities
Teams develop ideas, test their assumptions with real people and adapt based on what they learn.
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WORKSHOP 3 — SHARE
Make your case
Teams present what they discovered, how their thinking changed and what they believe should happen next.
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AFTER — ACT
Help good ideas go further
We meet with the school to review what emerged and agree how promising ideas could be supported.
The gaps matter: between workshops, students investigate, interview and gather feedback, supported by teachers as coaches. A compact Projektwoche format is also possible.
What students take with them
Agency
Experience that they can influence what happens around them.
Creativity
Imagine possibilities and develop their own ideas.
Critical thinking
Question assumptions, seek evidence and change their minds when they learn something new.
Collaboration
Work with others, contribute their strengths and navigate different perspectives.
Communication
Ask, listen, explain their thinking and make their case to a real audience.
Bravery
Speak up, try something unfamiliar and learn without being afraid to get it wrong.
Different ways to contribute
Ideen Labor gives students space to contribute in their own way. They can build on strengths they already have, discover new ones, and experience what they can bring to a team.
We’ve seen students surprise themselves with what they’re capable of. Teachers have told us the format can re-engage students who had become less engaged, while others find the courage to step outside their comfort zone, speak up and try something new.
Students learn. Teachers do too.
Teachers aren’t spectators. They coach student teams, with amplilabs providing the structure, tools and guidance.
Along the way, teachers experience a different way of facilitating learning — asking questions instead of giving answers and creating space for students to take ownership. They can take those approaches back into their own classrooms.
Practical information
From a single class to a school-wide program — Ideen Labor adapts to your needs.
- School levels
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Primary to upper secondary
Activities and support are adapted to the students’ age and experience.
- Group size
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15–300+ students
One class, several classes or the whole school. Students work in small teams; facilitation scales with the group.
- Facilitation model
- amplilabs leads. Teachers coach.
- Format
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3 workshop days across 3 weeks
A compact Projektwoche is possible too.
- Finale
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A real pitch event
With families, peers, teachers and relevant stakeholders.
- Follow-up
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From ideas to action
A session with the school to review promising ideas and next steps is included.
What teachers say
Emilie and Philipp’s workshop is refreshing, funny, and motivating — a breath of fresh air. Students don’t just learn for the moment, but for life: they develop creative ideas, work as a team, stand up for their own project, and present it confidently.
Sabrina Müller
Lehrerin, Kantonale Schule für Berufsbildung
Curious what Ideen Labor could look like at your school?
Tell us about your school and your students. We’ll explore a format that fits.
Start a conversation