Posted in What is a true education?
|
This is part two of a conversation I had with a friend recently. Please read part one first so this makes sense! "Do you find that because the kids are allowed to choose what interests them, their learning programme is biased toward that interest? Like I mean if "S" likes art n craft which she does I know, does she do more of that than other types of learning?" L: "Probably. Yes. But what's the problem with that? Because she's interested, she learn all she needs to know about a subject, and retain that knowledge for a much longer time, then if I was simply to stuff boring facts into her brain. That's not learning what they need to know for life, that's just stuffing useless (to them anyway) facts into their head and making the learning process something to be endured, not enjoyed." "Don't you worry about the 'gaps' in the kids' education?" L: "No. Every single person in the whole world has educational gaps. No one can retain every fact in the world, or every bit of knowledge about any given subject. If the kids love to learn and know how to learn what they need to know, when they need to know it, then they will do just fine I reckon. Having said that, of course we go back to the minimum requirements, like Math for instance. To function in society, people should have a certain standard of mathematical knowedge, so I'll make sure my kids have at least that minimum requirement. Same for language arts, Bible knowledge etc." "I take it that making sure your kids are 'keeping up' with the Grade level of their age group isn't a priority for you?" L: (Gentle, ladylike snort) "Hardly. I have no idea where "S" is compared to other kids in Grade 6 level or whatever. It's not important." "So really, you most definately learn in more of a 'Natural Learning' style." L: "Well yes and no. I think sometimes Natural Learning can be abused. Yes I want the kids to learn what interests them but also there are minimum standards they need to maintain. I don't let them just run amuck and do whatever they please - not that I'm saying Natural Learners do that but some Natural Learning families do take the concept to the extreme." "So you do a lot of responsible natural learning, I see you also like to favour the Charlotte Mason stuff, and unit studies too. Sounds an awful lot like Leadership Education to me, which is designed to teach kids how to think for themselves and make responsible choices. In other words how to lead in society, their peer group or whatever, not follow like senseless sheep." L: "Is it? Well that's nice. I've never labelled it that, it's just my way of doing things. We're all happy with it and it works." Sounds good to me. Just as a good proof of this, L's oldest son has just been accepted into a technical high school - his own choice to return to institutialised learning- for his senior qualifications. It's a college with Science and Math majors where only the brightest students are accepted. The college is not classroom type learning but very hands on, mentor led group learning where initiative, individual thinking and leadership are promoted. Good job mum! |
Comments
|
|
|
|
|
Posted by
|
|
|
|
|