(Published in my Tumblr acct in 2013)
In this interview, Mr. Gates talks about being present, the flexibility of learning and the learning environment for college students.
Here’s my little two cents worth. If we are going to create that model we must engage the learner at an early age and continue to design and structure curriculum for the individual learner. Students that are at risk at any level, or those that are just average, may struggle in the “self-motivated” learning model. Students that are driven to compete and succeed may thrive in the proposed environment, but I believe education is about influence. I believe education is about modeling and being there.
We do that by training dynamic teachers. Then we model structure and independent learning. A thirst for knowledge is vital. If not, we create the same programs that failed in the 1970s. I remember them well because I was part of that grand experiment “Personalized Learning” or PLAN, independent, self-paced learning modules. The teacher was simply a resource and the students created the pacing and were motivated by…themselves.
For me it was perfect. Thanks to the technology of the 1970’s I completed Jr. High in 7th grade! Most of High School by 8th grade and then coasted until my Sr. year because I could. Others graduated early, and others…many others just took their time and barely graduated. It certainly wasn’t for everyone and there was no “plan” after Jr. High. It just stopped and all of a sudden you were back in a traditional classroom.
We must think bigger, but we also must think more about our culture and how we support the infrastructures we’ve taken for granted. My family created a solid foundation for learning. If they didn’t my church might have, or the Boys and Girls Club might have. The environment I learned in created a safety net for me to “fail” into. It also created accountability for my successes and knew when my ego needed checking. The challenge to grow in and beyond your environment is vital to success.
Build that first.