I have been reading this great book, called "Leadership Education: The Phases of Learning" by Oliver and Rachel DeMille (founders of a "Thomas Jefferson Education" aka "Leadership Education").
While I tend to stay away from any homeschooling method that claims to be the right way to teach each child, the DeMille's philosophy is so closely aligned with what I already believe and am planning on doing with my children, that I almost see it as a guide or companion manual to help me carry out my daily homeschooling activities.
I encourage anyone interested in their children's education to read this book! For those who haven't yet received your copy, here is a taste of some of the most eye-opening and thought-provoking ideas that I have come across thus far.
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Sending children to public or private school is like putting them on the "conveyor belt."
The book begins by taking the reader back to the Industrial Age, when schools were turned into factory-like buildings, resembling the ever-present conveyor belt, as a way to educate the masses. However, we are now in the Information Age. We have access to unlimited information, mostly for free. The problem is that the conveyor belt model of learning is still being used. The DeMilles state that "The Information Age is changing everything and education must also evolve." (p.1)
Of course education is not "one size fits all." Every child learns at different rates, and in different ways. This is common knowledge, yet most children are still being put on the conveyor belt. It doesn't take a genius to realize that something is not right here.
What is Leadership Education and how is it different from "conveyor belt" learning?
1- Conveyor belt education "trains the masses in basic literacy, lifting generations from poverty toward better jobs and lives. The emphasis is on 'what to think' as dictated by others in order to get 'right' answers, be 'good' students, and most of all, 'fit in' with an externally imposed structure defining worth." (p.3)
2- Professional education "trains experts in fields including medicine, law, business, accounting, engineering, and many others. Uses a competitive conveyor belt methodology to establish a standard that our society depends upon for safety, efficiency, and order. Creates an expert class who's explanations, recommendations and standards are trusted and valued by conveyor belt educated masses that have been trained to act and think according to the expertise of others." (p. 3)
3- Leadership Education "trains thinkers, leaders, artists, inventors, citizens, entrepreneurs, and statesmen. It educates individual "how to think" and teachers them why it is important. As Robert Hutchins put it, this is 'the education of free men in the knowledge and skills that are needed to remain free.'" (p. 3)
Leadership Education also "prepares leaders who motivate individuals, communities, and nations to greater good in an environment of liberty that allows all that is best to flourish. Though the problems civilization presents may be new, the process of solving problems is not. Leaders taught in this manner act according to ageless principles of success. They are taught that the accomplishment of their mission in their homes, communities, and societies will create impactful and uplifting change. Their vision, capacity, tenacity and involvement inspire and motivate others to worthwhile purposes that elevate society." (p. 3)
Are you wondering by now, how one would go about getting a "Leadership Education"?
Stay tuned!
(Or you can go buy the book yourself. I am not compensated for saying this, or for your purchase.)
