We’re living in the future
My guess is that, overall, there is enough content on-line to obtain a world-class education. — Arnold Kling, Schools without Classrooms
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“The book spells out the different steps in implementing student-directed projects, and every chapter has an inspiring list of specific ideas/formats. My only complaint is I want more — I can’t wait to read what Pickert publishes next.”
“[A] must read for all parents and educators who are interested in raising/encouraging children to take charge of their education and make learning a lifestyle and not just a chore. This book is filled with practical advice…”
“There is so much practical, useful information in this book. … Pickert gives us the tools to be great mentors to our kids.”
“PBH actually assisted me in focusing on my own unique style and listening more closely to my own creative voice (as well as that of my children, and being less seduced by everything new and shiny when things lagged in our learning), not just as a parent, but as an individual. The positive impact that this focus has had in my personal and family life is profound.”
“I’ve noticed big changes in my child’s play since I began doing the things suggested, and I am utilizing it for my own projects!”
“In addition to teaching how to do project-based homeschooling it’s like a manual on how to live.”
“Do yourself a favor and read this book with a highlighter and pencil in hand.”
“PBH is hands down my favorite book on homeschooling.”
“Although the title says ‘Project-Based Homeschooling,’ it is really something that any parent could incorporate into their lives, homeschooling or regular schooling.”
“Brilliantly written book, easy to read, easy to follow, well organised, stuffed full of easy to follow and idea-provoking tips for enjoying learning and supporting children of all ages. ... As a librarian and advocate of life long learning, I can’t tell you what a joy this book is to read — affirming, inspiring and practical.”
“Her writing style is really accessible, witty and flows beautifully; she paints a picture of a world you can’t help but want to be a part of. This isn’t a vague philosophy, this is a how-to book that empowers parents to empower their children.”
“For those new to homeschooling and even those such as myself, who have been homeschooling for years, this book will be the one you have on hand at all times. Easy to read, intelligent, heartfelt, inspiring and honest!”
“Wonderful resource! This will help every parent to keep their children’s love of learning alive. Project Based Homeschooling will be a favourite for years to come in our home.”
“It has been an inspiration to our homeschool and to our daily life.”
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“I can't recommend it highly enough.”
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“[H]er new book … synthesizes so much wisdom about homeschooling from a project-based perspective.”
“[O]verflowing with ideas for any parent who’d like to encourage more self-directed learning in their kids.”
“Do yourself a favor and read this book with a highlighter and pencil in hand.”
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“Anyone who considers themselves the ultimate guardian of their children’s education … will find ideas to think about and act upon.”
“[A] rare book that both inspired me to make changes in the way I homeschool and gave me the practical means to make them.”
“[T]his isn't just a homeschooling book. It is a guide to parenting.”
“What Pickert has done with her book is explain in an easy-to-read and practical manner what parents can do at home to ensure that children will take charge of their own education and gain essential skills. If that sounds far-fetched, I suggest you read the book.”
“There are only a handful of books that I can honestly say have changed my life. This … is one of those books.”
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6 comments
Two thoughts.
One, thanks to your site, "grit" is the new word of choice around here. Everybody wants some. Sean our 6 yr old told me he used "grit" to get up after a bad fall, though my 9 yr old tried to explain why he wouldn't help his little brother reach a cereal bowl this morning by saying, "I wanted him to use some grit." :)
Secondly, you've convinced me there is definitely enough content available online. But it makes me wonder about the role of teacher. Content is wonderful, projects are exciting, learning is magic...but I also so value the wonderful teachers I've had in life. And I can't articulate it exactly, but I see the huge influence having a great teacher has on my sons.
I share your hope that our schools will move away from outdated models, but I think the role of teacher will remain in some fashion---perhaps more as mentor? And while a lot can be said and shared online, I think some of that inexplicable magic has to happen in person.
But isn't the point what we do with all this content; how we process and extend all this information into knowledge and expression in our own lives. A "world-class education" isn't just content surely.
deirdre, lol, that's awesome. "hey, get some grit, man."
here's what i think about great teachers (and i love them, too) — in public school, you sometimes have them. and they have a huge effect on you. in homeschooling, you have to seek them out. you can cut short the time with bad ones (because, as i'm sure you know, a *bad* teacher can have as strong a negative effect as a great teacher can have a positive one) and move on till you find another great one. hs'ing doesn't mean you don't have teachers. you still take classes, apprentice yourself to experts; you have coaches and group leaders, and etc. etc. etc.
you also learn to seek out what you need from whoever has it, so possibly a peer or possibly just a knowledgable person who can help you learn something you want to learn. a teacher can be a mentor, a facilitator, a guide, a co-learner. so taking advantage of what's online doesn't mean giving up teachers. i would argue, too, that you can have great online teachers — like salman khan at khan academy. he's a greater teacher and very inspirational. and the teachers who are involved in the free online stanford classes this semester. and on and on. although i would never want to give up the great face-to-face relationships with the teachers we've had, of course. i totally agree with you there. :)
jacinda, of course. hopefully the point of all education is what you do with it. i am really interested, though, in the whole college situation — the swiftly rising tuition costs, the studies saying that students don't graduate knowing more than when they arrived. having an entrenched academic say that you can get a world-class education online seems momentous. things are changing.
and i agree that an education isn't just content, but you can learn online and use it. are you thinking of "what we do with all this content" as part of education or what we do "after" we're educated? i think it's both.
i do think the education available online is much more than just content. you can learn and practice skills from watching video lectures. you can learn how to garden and woodwork and knit. you can learn how to speak and write a foreign language. you can take free guitar lessons. it's an amazing world of learning; i don't even want to think about how much i would have loved and used it if it had been available when i was my sons' ages.
This reminds me of the movie Good Will Hunting. One of my favorite parts is when he is talking to the Harvard student in the bar... in the end besting him with the eduction he got for a dollar fifty in late charges at the public library.
The internet is like the library on steriods. We still use the library and we LOVE books but the weath of knowledge found in the web is mind blowing.
There are so many things that individuals can teach themselves but some topics beg for a wonderful teacher. Those are the times you seek out those who can teach you what you want to know in a meaningful way.
I think the key thing here is coaches, rather than teachers. I have tied to "teach" my daughter maths (our nemises) with epic failure. When I started coaching her - which I would explain as championing her, encouraging her and holding her up when she is feeling down - things changed.
Content is vast - we use the internet every day in some form to help with our learning. From short videos and flims, to language podcasts. I have often thought that if a person was to listen to BBC Radio 4, for 6 hours a day, for several years, they would end up being well educated! The internet, provided you select carefully, can be an amazing tool.
dawn, love love that movie. and that scene. :)
"The internet is like the library on steriods." lol SO TRUE. we use the library constantly but we get most of our book recommendations from the internet.
"[S]ome topics beg for a wonderful teacher. Those are the times you seek out those who can teach you what you want to know in a meaningful way." yes yes yes — this. it is PART of self-directed learning — knowing how to get that help when you need it.
kelly, i don't have a negative connotation with "teach". :) i think it can be synonymous with coach, facilitator, mentor, etc. of course we know it is also sometimes synonymous with lecturer, micromanager, scold...
re: coaching your daughter with math, i was just following a thread on another blog where anti-hs'ing commenters were screeching about HOW can you teach your kids higher math, there's no WAY you are qualified. they completely miss the point that 1, kids can teach themselves, 2, there are abundant online resources, and 3, you can always take a class, hire a tutor, find a mentor...
one of my favorite ways we use the internet is to create community. my boys can make contact with their friends every day, share photos and videos and blog posts, exchange ideas, laugh... i imagine that hs'ing in the country 30 yrs ago could have been a bit isolating but we are in constant contact with friends and people who share our interests. love it.
love your comment re bbc radio! :)
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