Learning Through Experiences
After reading the reflections of my peers with regards to the article Why we must abolish schooling by Illich (1970), I did a little reflecting of my own. Illich (1970), argues that schooling, as an institution, puts ‘poor’ students at a disadvantage. He also notes that learning should not occur as a result of programmed instruction delivered through institutions, but instead as a result of the experiences offered through everyday life. This particular belief regarding the process of learning reminded me of an article I read about a 13 year old boy who made an awe inspiring speech about Hack Schooling.
Logan LaPlante is the figurehead for the Hackschooling movement that emphasises the importance of learning through lived experiences. The entire premise behind this approach to ‘schooling’ is that any concept, including the concept of school, is “open to being hacked or improved” (LaPlante, 2013). I see this approach to education as very innovative. I really like that they work with community partners as an attempt to make learning relevant and meaningful to each student.
So which approach is better?
I feel that this approach to learning allows for more self-directed learning and creative thought. I would also agree that without the constraints of an institution, learning has the possibility to take on many forms and can be more readily tailored to the individual. On the flip side, since it is not publically funded, Illich (1970) may argue that this too, is reflective of a program that puts ‘poor’ youth at a disadvantage. Additionally, this approach to education may not provide opportunities to develop some of the competencies that arise through interactions and experiences one may have at a public school. For example, as much as you may learn from the teacher, relationships you build with peers can teach you many other valuable skills and life lessons. Interactions with peers and teachers can also serve to encourage you to try things you may never have thought to try before - friends can be very powerful motivational tools and teachers can often see things in you that you don’t see yourself.
References:
Hackschooling makes me happy | Logan LaPlante | TEDxUniversityofNevada. (2013). Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h11u3vtcpaY
Illich, I. (1970, July 2). Why we must abolish schooling. The New York Review of Books, 15(1), 9–15.
Hello Emily!
ReplyDeleteI hadn't read Illich's article and had never heard of hack schooling before, but thanks to your post you motivated me to a bit of research on these concepts as well. I agree with your reflections that although hack schooling is a more individualized and hands-on approach compared to the more traditional and rigid educational institutions, I do not think that it is a viable solution to class gaps in learning or practical on a large scale.
I think that hack schooling does bring awareness to the educations failure to adapt to more modern educational methods. Learning should be based within real contexts be they with community partners or just make believe establishments within the classroom. If you are interested, you can take a look at this one elementary teacher's project-based curriculum. I don't necessarily agree that it is perfect, but it highlights how you can bring the world into the classroom and make learning relevant to students. Here is the link: http://blog.ed.ted.com/2017/02/22/i-made-my-classroom-look-like-the-real-world-and-test-scores-soared/?utm_source=TED-Ed+Subscribers&utm_campaign=6dd845d2bf-2013_09_219_19_2013&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_1aaccced48-6dd845d2bf-49512769 .
Again, great post!
Catherine