The teaching method goes beyond the usual paths: the course is student-based. This course was designed for students by students through the honours course: ‘Rebuilding education’ in close collaboration with the municipality of Amsterdam. Throughout the course, students are given the space to tailor the content to their needs. On of the meetings is a tailored lecture of which the topic and speakers will be determined together with the students based on their preference and questions. Students do not sit behind a desk during the sessions; instead, they form a circle with the coordinators and guest speakers. Laptops and phones remain in the bag, as the conversation takes center stage. Students are continuously challenged to turn inward and reflect on how their personal experiences, views on society, and political inclinations shape their perspective on the justice system. Differences in opinions and perspectives are celebrated and discussed: it is precisely from these differences that interesting conversations and room for change emerges. Throughout the course, students develop a ‘puzzle piece’ for the future of the justice system. They present this idea both in writing and in a pitch. Creative freedom and deliberation are key: very few to no guidelines are provided on how the final assignment should look, and whether students work individually or in a group is up to them, based on their interests. The grade is also determined in consultation with the students.
The course concludes each year with a symposium where students present their ideas - a ‘puzzle pieces’ for the future of justice - to professionals, politicians, and researchers. A group of students who participated in the course in 2022 are still in discussions with the municipality to implement their idea – a crime prevention program for schools.