Unschooling - We're cautious, but we're going to try it.

[B3Wannabe]

Unschooling - Unschooling is a form of education in which learning is based on the student's interests, needs, and goals. It may be alternatively referred to as natural learning, child-led learning, discovery learning, delight-led learning, or child-directed learning.

Unschooling contrasts with other forms of home education in that the student's education is not directed by a teacher and curriculum. Although unschooling students may choose to make use of teachers or curricula, they are ultimately in control of their own education. Students choose how, when, why, and what they pursue.

Parents who unschool their children act as "facilitators," providing a wide range of resources, helping their children access, navigate, and make sense of the world, and aiding them in making and implementing goals and plans for both the distant and immediate future. Unschooling expands from children's natural curiosity as an extension of their interests, concerns, needs, goals, and plans.

The child-directed nature of unschooling does not mean that unschooling parents will not provide their children with guidance and advice, or that they will refrain from sharing things that they find fascinating or illuminating with them.

Unschoolers have been admitted to most universities (including Ivy League schools). The article Homeschooling: Back to the Future? states that "in the absence of a transcript or high school diploma, applicants can submit samples or a portfolio of their work, letters of recommendation, and CLEP and Stanford Achievement Test scores."

Some universities consider unschoolers to be an asset because they tend to love learning, be self-motivated, and know what they want to get out of their college experience. According to Johnathan Reider, an admissions officer at Stanford university, speaking of home educated students in general, "The distinguishing factor is intellectual vitality. These kids have it, and everything they do is responding to it."


Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unschooling


Why: When I was 12, I became interested in computer programming. This interest led me to teach myself many things that were being taught in school, ahead of my peers. (Math, Grammar, Science) I didn't need anyone to tell me to learn them, because I wanted to learn them to make better computer programs. Although I'm an advocate, I didn't suggest it for my daughter. My wife did. The difference is, since she is young, we'll have to put her in learning environments. 

Our daughter is showing this same type of interest in space and electronics.

Truthfully, I am a little cautious. Probably as much as I was with home-schooling at first.


What are your thoughts on this subject? SJON?

[jlewis]

I think if you hage a child who is self motivated and has an interest in academics, then this type of program would be great.


If you have a child who is not interested in academics but rather physical  activities ( or  betters said, would rather work with their  hands/bodies than sit and learn a mental concept), then this is probably not the best program for them.

But basically, you've already made your decision, why does it matter what we think ( and in all honesty it shouldnt)?

But I do appreciate the information.   if I had the resources, I might investigate  it for myself.


Jlewis

[B3Wannabe]

I wasn't asking for advice, unless there are some home-schoolers here. I was just asking what people thought of the subject.

[jlewis]

I think if you hage a child who is self motivated and has an interest in academics, then this type of program would be great.


If you have a child who is not interested in academics but rather physical  activities ( or  betters said, would rather work with their  hands/bodies than sit and learn a mental concept), then this is probably not the best program for them.

Then I stand by this previous statement.   Also,   I really didn't have a good idea of what I wanted to do  until probably around my 8th grade year.  So up until then, I was realy only interested in sports and video games.   I did have a avid love of reading though,  but it was mostly science fiction and fantasy.  So as far as building a foundation for an educational program, I probably would have been good at it  ( from the student led perspective).

My home boy though,  was kinda like you,  he had a commodore 64 and was programming at 11 years old.   Its interesting, he went to the naval academy and majored in engineering, but then switched to Business Admin.   He currently  is a  investment broker..... never would have imagined it as a youngster.


Jlewis

[B3Wannabe]

Then I stand by this previous statement.   Also,   I really didn't have a good idea of what I wanted to do  until probably around my 8th grade year.  So up until then, I was realy only interested in sports and video games.   I did have a avid love of reading though,  but it was mostly science fiction and fantasy.  So as far as building a foundation for an educational program, I probably would have been good at it  ( from the student led perspective).

My home boy though,  was kinda like you,  he had a commodore 64 and was programming at 11 years old.   Its interesting, he went to the naval academy and majored in engineering, but then switched to Business Admin.   He currently  is a  investment broker..... never would have imagined it as a youngster.


Jlewis

Dude! I have shelves of Isaac Asimov and Pierce Anthony books!


I didn't get my first computer until I was 24. LOL I wrote my programs on paper then went to a library to test them.

On topic, though, I think even if a child is interested in physical activities, you can link it to academics, and if you're cunning enough, spark their interest.

[glorydweller]

It's great to hear you're homeschooling! I haven't heard of unschooling til now.

I've taught math to high school level homeschoolers in my community for a decade, and have been a teacher of teens even longer.  I've had the chance to observe many homeschooling families, and I have become a big supporter of homeschooling. I wish you much success.

I'm skeptical, though, about unschooling. The reason is this:  Few, in any, of the students I've worked with, be they ever-so-bright, will choose to study what they perceive is unpleasant or unnecessary. While we need to structure their learning materials and environment around their interests and giftings, it is essential that we provide a balanced "diet" of what they'll need to be successful. I have yet to see a child that is adequately motivated in EVERY subject that he is likely to need in the future.

"A child left to himself brings his mother to shame" (Pr 29:15).

[lordluvr]

The concept sounds interesting.  It also seems that, in theory, it can work well.  I have concerns/reservations about it, because the success of the venture heavily relies on two factors- the interest level of the child and the participation level and imagination of the parent(s).  With this hustle-n-bustle society we live in now, it's hard to maintain that level of participation in a child's education nowadays.

[sjonathan02]

The concept sounds interesting.  It also seems that, in theory, it can work well.  I have concerns/reservations about it, because the success of the venture heavily relies on two factors- the interest level of the child and the participation level and imagination of the parent(s).  With this hustle-n-bustle society we live in now, it's hard to maintain that level of participation in a child's education nowadays.

Indeed.


The amount of parents that are THAT vested in a child's education is very low. I COULD see this working within our educational system; but, it would take our government's willingness to see that the status quo, in a word, sucks.

[B3Wannabe]

The concept sounds interesting.  It also seems that, in theory, it can work well.  I have concerns/reservations about it, because the success of the venture heavily relies on two factors- the interest level of the child and the participation level and imagination of the parent(s).  With this hustle-n-bustle society we live in now, it's hard to maintain that level of participation in a child's education nowadays.

Hence the reason why we're structuring our lives to not be so complicated. I think unschooling will take more work, initially, but as they get older, I expect it to become a lot easier. Right now, with traditional home-schooling, it's ALMOST like normal school, at least the way we do it. She basically has to learn/memorize material we teach her. There is very little self-discovery.

If we unschool, we'll have to focus more on the things she likes to do. (reading, playing uno, electronics, space) Learning to score a card game is an excellent math tool. Our family reading time introduces her to new words.

I'm interested, though, how it might be integrated into a public school setting. It would definitely require drastic restructuring.

[B3Wannabe]

It's great to hear you're homeschooling! I haven't heard of unschooling til now.

I've taught math to high school level homeschoolers in my community for a decade, and have been a teacher of teens even longer.  I've had the chance to observe many homeschooling families, and I have become a big supporter of homeschooling. I wish you much success.

I'm skeptical, though, about unschooling. The reason is this:  Few, in any, of the students I've worked with, be they ever-so-bright, will choose to study what they perceive is unpleasant or unnecessary. While we need to structure their learning materials and environment around their interests and giftings, it is essential that we provide a balanced "diet" of what they'll need to be successful. I have yet to see a child that is adequately motivated in EVERY subject that he is likely to need in the future.

"A child left to himself brings his mother to shame" (Pr 29:15).

I don't think this scripture applies, because they aren't really "left to themselves". We'd be involved, and watching to see progress. No progress. No unschooling. I really can't see her festering. We'd have to get lazy.

[BBoy]

I had never head of unschooling, but I'd have to read up on it before forming any solid thoughts on the matter.

Off the top of my head, I can't see myself jumping up and down about it. I'm more of a traditionalist, myself . . . . not to exclude what works for others, because there is definitely more than one way to get from A to Z (A being an intelligent and gifted child with no education, and Z being an educated young adult ready to face the world). 

I think that education must be structured to be effective. Education must take into account developmental processes and a child's movement along that developmental spectrum. There are so many things about a child's interests that are much more tied to their level of human development than their actual intellect or abilities, for development is not just cognitive / academic . . . it is emotional and social, and has much to do with how the child is able to see themselves and the world around them, and how they fit into the world as a participant.   

For instance, a hypothetical situation . . . . a child seems to be interested in something and does well at it, only to realize later in life that they were much more invested into the positive response from their parents than the actual subject matter itself. That is why many interests often emerge later in life . . . it is only then that the child has the developmental tools necessary to identify their interests and communicate them to those who can bring them out.

But to those who are dedicated to education, who knows? Maybe it is a good way. And the way you describe seems to be structured and thought out.   

[glorydweller]

I don't think this scripture applies, because they aren't really "left to themselves". We'd be involved, and watching to see progress. No progress. No unschooling. I really can't see her festering. We'd have to get lazy.

Yeah, careful monitoring would help.

It's not for me, B3, but you know your kids; it may work for them. I wish you the best.