The underachieving school

by John C. Holt

The Underachieving School is brimming with inspiration and ideas on how to teach children, with respect and attention to how they actually learn.

Genres: Education, Nonfiction, Psychology, Philosophy, Teaching, Childrens

Hardcover

Published January 1, 1970

About the author

After teaching in private schools for many years John Caldwell Holt wrote his first two books, How Children Fail, and How Children Learn. He became a vocal advocate for school reforms, and wrote several more books about education theory and practice, including alternative forms and many social issues relating to the education system. Eventually he decided school reform was impossible, and changed his focus to homeschooling. He started America's first magazine dedicated to the subject, Growing Without Schooling, in 1977.

Reviews

[Jacqueline Boss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent, one of the best and most enjoyable nonfictions I've ever read. Incredible that it has so few reviews, and disheartening that the views Holt presents are so unknown, or when known, unpopular. Holt covers the failures of the modern US education system and the function of schools and teachers as it relates to the way children learn. As he does so he contrasts modern teaching methods with methods that produce actual learning- methods that help kids amass knowledge and experience in a way that is meaningful to them and that will be remembered, unlike facts passively doled out through a stale curriculum in the name of achieving higher test scores. Holt alludes to the fact that we should read How Children Fail first- I have not yet read that (though I mean to) and was still able to follow this book easily. Nearer the end of the book Holt also touches on peace and war, civil rights of children, the environment, personal fulfillment and modern day school segregation and the way they are all tied together with education.

The anecdotes he includes are extremely entertaining and the way he punches holes in child psychology experiments is fascinating.

I highly recommend this to anyone interested in the Subury Valley school model or unschooling in general. Holt makes a great case here. Looking forward to reading many more of his books.

[Suzanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Picked this one up in a bin of secondhand paperbacks at Barrington Court. Best 50 pence I've spent for a while. John Holt is quite radical - think he is a lifelong communist/socialist - and while it is perhaps impossible to agree with all of his ideas, it is equally impossible to dismiss them out of hand. He details the various ways in which schools under-achieve for their students. A good deal of what he says has now, thankfully, become prevailing wisdom. But we've still got a long way to go, baby.

Equally, now that I've actually finished reading this, it did make me a little cross at times. He comes across - or at least the essays he's chosen to publish in this collection - as one of these experts who is forever on the side of the kids and never, ever, not never on the side of the teachers. Which can be disheartening, even some 40 years after the book was first in print. I have to say also, that it tends to peter out a bit near the end, the last few pieces are variously book reviews, talks he's given etc., which rather let down the quality of the earlier writing. It's thought-provoking as a whole, but sometimes in a way that makes you want to hurl it against the nearest wall! But definitely worth the read.

[Bill Knapp · Rating 4 out of 5]

Influenced the way I think about learning and education.

[Cass · Rating 3 out of 5]

I highlighted a few good bits, but if you are going to read a John Holt book I would recommend "Why children Fail" over this one.

[LIFEfluency Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The Underachieving School" by John Holt is an exploration of the educational system's failures and the detrimental impact they have on students. Holt, a prominent educator and author, delves into the root causes of underachievement and challenges conventional notions of schooling.

Through insightful analysis and anecdotal evidence, Holt argues that traditional education stifles creativity, curiosity, and intrinsic motivation in students. He emphasizes the importance of fostering a nurturing and empowering learning environment that encourages exploration and self-expression.

One of the book's strengths is its critique of standardized testing and the emphasis on grades, which often prioritize rote memorization over critical thinking skills. Holt advocates for a more holistic approach to assessment, one that acknowledges individual strengths and encourages students to take ownership of their learning.

Moreover, Holt proposes alternative educational models, such as homeschooling and experiential learning, as viable alternatives to the traditional classroom setting. He emphasizes the need for educators to adapt their teaching methods to better meet the diverse needs of students.

While some may find Holt's ideas radical, his arguments are well-supported and backed by decades of research and experience. "The Underachieving School" serves as a wake-up call for educators, policymakers, and parents alike, urging them to reevaluate the current state of education and strive for meaningful reform.

Parents should consider reading "The Underachieving School" because it offers valuable perspectives and practical advice for parents navigating the complexities of the education system and seeking to support their child's academic and personal growth.

"The Underachieving School" challenges the status quo and offers valuable insights into the shortcomings of the modern educational system. Holt's vision for a more student-centered approach to learning is both inspiring and timely, making this book essential reading for anyone invested in the future of education.

[Preeyasree · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked up this book out of curiosity from a book fair. It's the best non-fiction book that I have read about education and child psychology. I was always in guilt that I wasn't pushing my child enough to achieve in school. I am more than relieved after reading John Holton's collection of speeches and letters on this book.

[TimsGlitterBug · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yet another great book, filled with the uncomfortable reality of what public schooling does, and is.

[Kathleen O'Neal · Rating 4 out of 5]

A worthwhile essay collection from John Holt, mostly written during his reformist period regarding education.

[Natalie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Started it, didn't find it engaging enough to finish. 'Nuff said.