Episode 33: The Value of Choice. A Conversation with Caleb Collier.
Feb 6, 2024
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Caleb Collier, co-founder of The Forest School, discusses the practicality of self-directed learning, strategies for cultivating student agency, and the imperative of school leaders in transforming institutional norms. He also explores how parents can support their children's educational journey and align family expectations with student outcomes. The podcast explores the value of self-directed education and the role of influential parents in fostering a love of learning.
Setting goals and reflecting on progress towards those goals increases motivation and engagement.
Caleb Collier's expertise in self-directed learning is showcased through his background and work with The Forest School and The Institute for Self-Directed Learning.
Learner-led education models prioritize learner agency and choice, contrasting with traditional top-down education models.
Deep dives
Promoting Goal-Oriented Learning
The podcast emphasizes the importance of tying learning to real goals or objectives, rather than simply learning for the sake of learning. It suggests that helping kids think about where they want to go and what they want to achieve can increase motivation and engagement. Setting goals and reflecting on progress towards those goals is highlighted as a valuable practice.
The Expertise of Caleb Collier
The podcast introduces Caleb Collier as a leading expert in self-directed learning. Caleb's background as an academic, educator, and writing coach, along with his PhD in teaching and learning, showcase his expertise. His work with the Forest School and the Institute for Self-Directed Learning is also mentioned, highlighting his role in promoting and researching self-directed education models.
Flipping the Direction of Education
The podcast discusses the difference between traditional education models and learner-led models. It suggests that traditional models are often top-down, with standards and expectations imposed on students. In contrast, learner-led models start with the individual learner's interests and goals, allowing them to explore and learn based on their own motivations. The importance of learner agency and choice is emphasized as a key distinction.
The Relationship between Self-Directed Learning and Unschooling
The podcast explores the relationship between self-directed learning and unschooling. While different terms are used to describe these approaches, there is a common focus on centering the learner and their interests. The presence of individual and environmental factors, such as the level of learner independence and the type of environment or accountability measures, may differentiate these approaches. However, both approaches fall under the umbrella of alternative education, emphasizing learner-centered models.
Reflecting on Teaching and Transitioning to Self-Directed Learning
The podcast discusses how experiences as a traditional middle school teacher led Caleb Collier to pursue self-directed learning and learner-led education. The frustration of feeling like he was managing students rather than fostering true learning prompted him to pursue a PhD in teaching and learning. His transition into self-directed education began when he co-founded the Forest School and later established the Institute for Self-Directed Learning. The desire to give students more agency and move away from top-down models of education were driving factors behind his transition.
This week, Kaity and Adriane chat with Caleb Collier, co-founder of The Forest School and director at The Institute for Self-Directed Learning. This episode is all about self-directed education, where learners take control, and the classroom becomes a place for personal growth and intrinsic motivation. Caleb explains the role of educators and parents in this innovative learning landscape and shares his journey of transformation from a conventional middle school educator to a trailblazer for educational autonomy.
This episode also explores: 🔥 the practicality of self-directed learning in our schools and homes 🔥 strategies for cultivating student agency 🔥 the imperative of school leaders in transforming institutional norms 🔥 how parents can be instrumental in supporting their children's educational journey 🔥The Forest School's approach to aligning family expectations with student outcomes 🔥 how a paradigm shift in education can lead to more personalized and engaging learning experiences 🔥 and so much more!
So, make sure to tune in for a fun and informative discussion on the world of self-directed learning, where autonomy and thoughtful guidance are the keys to unlocking a lifelong love of learning. You don't want to miss this episode!
ABOUT THE GUEST: Caleb is a storyteller, academic, educator, and writing coach. He has a Ph.D. in Teaching and Learning, is a co-founder of The Forest School, serves as the Director at The Institute for Self-Directed Learning, and has been a Research Fellow at the University of Virginia. He has published extensively in academic journals and is the author of The Theoretical and Historical Evolutions of Self-Directed Learning: The Case for Learner-Led Education.
About the podcast: The KindlED Podcast explores the science of nurturing children's potential and creating empowering learning environments.
Powered by Prenda Microschools, each episode offers actionable insights to help you ignite your child's love of learning. We'll dive into evidence-based tools and techniques that kindle young learners' curiosity, motivation, and well-being.
Got a burning question? We're all ears! If you have a question or topic you'd love our hosts to tackle, please send it to podcast@prenda.com. Let's dive into the conversation together!
Interested in starting a microschool? Prenda provides all the tools and support you need to start and run an amazing microschool. Create a free Prenda World account to start designing your future microschool today. More info at ➡️ Prenda.com or if you're ready to get going ➡️ Start My Microschool
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