Ok, so it's the idea that humans have an innate desire to seek knowledge, vs. the idea that everything must be instilled in humans (but if the latter were true, how did the first humans ever get anything "instilled" in them?) Sure, once you release a kid from control, she's going to want to do everything she was forced NOT to do before. So maybe these kids that are being "unschooled" will watch TV 8 hours a day for two whole years. But if humans are, in fact, more than just empty containers to fill things with, they're going to get bored eventually, and seek some form of knowledge, because life just isn't worth living otherwise. How much of life is innate, how much is learned? Can we really teach something that isn't innate? What is responsibility? Can it be taught? What does it even mean to "teach?" Oh boy.... It's an interesting idea, at least.
This is my 33rd year in education. Prior to beginning at Luther, I was an elementary teacher, guidance counselor and principal. My wife, Jane, works as a media specialist in the North Winneshiek and Decorah Schools. My oldest son, Nathan, is a graduate student at UCLA and my youngest son, Ben, is a senior at St. Olaf College.
3 comments:
Ok, so it's the idea that humans have an innate desire to seek knowledge, vs. the idea that everything must be instilled in humans (but if the latter were true, how did the first humans ever get anything "instilled" in them?) Sure, once you release a kid from control, she's going to want to do everything she was forced NOT to do before. So maybe these kids that are being "unschooled" will watch TV 8 hours a day for two whole years. But if humans are, in fact, more than just empty containers to fill things with, they're going to get bored eventually, and seek some form of knowledge, because life just isn't worth living otherwise. How much of life is innate, how much is learned? Can we really teach something that isn't innate? What is responsibility? Can it be taught? What does it even mean to "teach?" Oh boy.... It's an interesting idea, at least.
And you're right, Jim, this has got to be the TRUE ANSWER.
And you're right, Jim, this has got to be the TRUE ANSWER.
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