Episode 114- Schooling Without School: Free Schools, Democratic Schools, and the Unschooling Movement - 16:1 - An Education Podcast Episode 114- Schooling Without School: Free Schools, Democratic Schools, and the Unschooling Movement - 16:1 - An Education Podcast

Episode 114- Schooling Without School: Free Schools, Democratic Schools, and the Unschooling Movement

August 1, 2024

Educational Philosophy & Psychology

Education News Headline Roundup [00:05:22]

  • University of Florida President Ben Sasse announced his resignation from his presidential position effective July 31, 2024, citing the need to focus on his wife’s health and family responsibilities. 
  • ACT Education Corp has announced changes to the ACT format and length as the company transitions from a non-profit to a for-profit entity and grapples with the effects of COVID and fluctuating interest in test-optional admissions policies.
  • 2U, Inc., a prominent, Maryland-based online education company, has announced that it is filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. This decision follows significant financial struggles, including mounting debt of close to $1 billion and declining revenues.

Schooling Without School: Free Schools, Democratic Schools, and the Unschooling Movement [00:13:00]

Alternative educational models, particularly self-directed learning approaches like free schooling and unschooling, have gained traction post-COVID-19. These models focus on tailored educational experiences, addressing individual student needs and interests, and often stem from diverse counter-cultural ideologies. Historical influences include Socrates, Plato, Rousseau, and Dewey, and significant figures discussed include A.S. Neill, founder of Summerhill School, and John Holt, advocate for homeschooling and unschooling. Both critiqued traditional schooling and promoted student autonomy, though their methods and reception are varied.

Free schooling is characterized by significant student autonomy, democratic governance, voluntary class attendance, and a focus on self-directed projects and experiential learning. Notable examples include Summerhill in the UK and Sudbury Valley School in Massachusetts. Unschooling posits that children learn best through self-directed education without formal classes or curricula. It emphasizes student-led learning, everyday experiences as educational opportunities, and a non-compulsory structure. Parents act as facilitators rather than teachers.

This episode examines criticisms, such as potential academic gaps and socialization challenges, and discusses the suitability of these sometimes-radical student-led models for different learners, including those with disabilities. Socioeconomic factors affecting the feasibility of homeschooling and unschooling are also discussed. Post-COVID-19, remote work opportunities have increased the feasibility of these models, but socioeconomic status remains a significant determinant of access to resources and opportunities for self-directed learning.

Sources & Resources:

The ACT Test Is Evolving

ACT exam: Changes coming to college admissions test, will be significantly shorter and cheaper – ABC13 Houston

The SAT Has Changed: Here’s What to Know

The ACT’s private equity takeover and the future of testing

During test-optional college admissions, exam-prep companies still thrived

University of Florida President Ben Sasse announces resignation

Board approves Sen. Ben Sasse to lead the University of Florida, despite outcry

University of Florida faculty passes symbolic vote against possible selection of Sen. Ben Sasse as president.

Ben Sasse, controversial University of Florida president, announces his resignation | PBS News

2U files for bankruptcy, but says students won’t notice – The Baltimore Banner

A look at 2U’s path to bankruptcy | Higher Ed Dive

OPM Watch: What Happens if Online Giant 2U Goes Under?

Unschooling Is the Parenting Trend That’s Pissing Everyone Off

What to Know About Unschooling | K-12 Schools | U.S. News

Democratic Schools – Education Revolution

Democratic and Self-Directed Education

A Typical Summerhill Day

16:1 – Episode 14: Montessori Schools

What Is Montessori Education

What Is the Reggio Emilia Approach to Education?

A.S. Neill | Summerhill School, progressive education, libertarian education | Britannica

John Holt GWS

Developing Self-Directed Learners – PMC

Self-Directed Learning

Rethinking the globalisation of problem-based learning: how culture challenges self-directed learning

Sugata Mitra | Speaker | TED

John Holt (educator) – Wikipedia

Unschooling – Wikipedia

Sudbury Valley School

A. S. Neill – Wikipedia

Flavor Flav is soaking up his 1st Olympic experience cheering on the US water polo teams | AP News

The newest Olympic sports being played at the 2024 Paris Games – CBS News.

MTV News Website Goes Dark, Archives Pulled Offline

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