Reply #42: Self Directed Learner

[onpatrol98]

Maybe you weren't fully unschooled...I think you were schooled + (plus). You were clearly self directed, you had your mother providing access, support and direction, and then you had a teacher tuned into your personal needs. That's a winning combination in my book, any day of the week.

All types of schooling, "unschooling" included, clearly places responsibility squarely on the shoulders of parents to be very attentive and upon discovering individual interests and needs...providing that support.

Perhaps we're simply expecting too much of schools. With my own children, when I find them drawn to an area, I find other ways (outside of school) for them to pursue it.

Is every child really a self-directed learner? But, some have so little access to individual attention and direction, that they never realize their full potential. Every child clearly learns at a separate pace.

I think I have a much better understanding of what unschooling is meant to be. It sounds like it offers a lot of potential in the hands of an attentive parent. The video gives the impression of just the opposite...a lack of attention really, neglect. But, if anything, in order for unschooling to work well, it would require much more attention than that provided by parents who send their children to school every day...because now you're watching for learning opportunities throughout every single day.

This will definitely change the way I look at my sons summer "vacation" this year. LOL.

Thanks for all the information.