Natural Born Learners: Unschooling And Autonomy In Education

by Beatrice Ekwa Ekoko, Carlo Ricci (With)

Humans are natural learners. Many of the authors in this collection of essays begin from a learner-centered, democratic perspective. Complete list of authors include: John Taylor Gatto, Pat Farenga, Satish Kumar, Roland Meighan, Susannah Sheffer, Aaron Falbel, Joseph Chilton Pearce, Gordon Neufeld, Naomi Aldort, Wendy Priesnitz, John. L. Vitale, Jerry Mintz, David Albert, Mary Leue, Grace Llewellyn, Matt Hern, Sandra Dodd, Katharine Houk, Monica Wells Kisura, Brent Cameron, Christine Brabant, Seema Ahluwalia and Carl Boneshirt, Dale Stephens, Kate Cayley, Kate Fridkis, Eli Gerzon, Candra Kennedy, Jessica Claire Barker, Peter Kowalke, Idzie Desmarais, Sean Ritchey, Brenna McBroom, Andrew Gilpin. Divided into three sections, the first part of the book deals with what constitutes a learner-centered approach to education. The second section addresses how some have implemented this approach. In the last section, learners who have lived learner-centred learning share narratives about their experiences.

Genres: Education, Parenting, Nonfiction

380 pages, Paperback

First published January 8, 2014

Reviews

[Real Estate with Lindsey Naylor at Carlile Realty Group · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a definitely a must read for parents who are just beginning to discover the inner workings of the unschooling movement.Here are three quotes I believe articulate the authors ideology. The first quote, "We are not going to call you students anymore, we are going to call you researchers." I love that idea and from now on my home schooled children will be researchers. I believe this next quote is true more often than not. That quote states, "I regard schools as day prisons, a really unimaginative and dull and anti-democratic kind of idea". Occasionally, there are stats listed. For instance, "You remember 50% on average, of what goes on in a purposive conversation, whereas you only remember 5%-10% of a formally taught presentation". A great attribute to this book is how many resources it shares. One of the resources from the book I am investigating is a website. Check out www.EducationRevolution.org.

[M. T. Roe · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF

This had a lot of good references that I saved and a few inspiring quotes, but I didn't enjoy the format.

I would recommend this to anyone interested though. It was worth what little time I spent on it.

[Marina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent essays by a number of educators, and those prolific in the field of unschooling - advocates, former teachers, writers, psychologists, and child development experts. Always enlightening to read about alternative ways of educating our children, without the continual focus on "fixing" a system that just doesn't work in the first place. Refreshing and highly recommended for parents wanting to deschool themselves, or wanting reassurance that they are on the right track with their choice to unschool their children.

[Jeanette · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVE this book. So much great content packed into one book. Learning about unschooling and other alternative educational styles from actual people's point of views has helped me understand my kids and how to help them learn. Its also provided me with resources to check into. All the possibilities. I may just have to order a paperback copy of this book for my shelf.

[Betzaida Norris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great insight!

Great read for anyone considering or starting the unschooling route. Great perspective from grown homeschoolers! I will definitely be able to go into unschooling with a better understanding.