In this video at a TED convention in Australia, Peter Hutton (2014) describes perceived problems with high school curriculum and instruction. In his opinion, only about a third of high school students experience achievement that enables them to find a career
they enjoy and grow into educated and content adults. Another third perform average work in school, but often do not find a suitable
career with which they are happy. The bottom third may not like school and fail to meet learning objectives. Some may even drop out of school. Hutton (2014) adds that there are several reasons this may occur. First, teachers often
come from the first third and do not understand why children are not motivated to
succeed in school. Second, the curriculum and instruction are designed to meet the needs of the top third.
In describing student control in education, he uses the analogy of a bus where students are only allowed off at certain stops. At his Australian charter type school, students have a tremendous amount of choice. The school allows students to take advanced classes based on test scores, so an 8th grader can choose to take an 11th grade physics course. Once a student accomplishes basic reading and math competencies, they are allowed to choose from over 120 classes. The student, with their parent, can determine their schedule and workload. For example, as early as 7th grade, a student can choose between animal care, video game coding, and “Geek Class” (science and computer focused learning).
In addition to classroom instruction, the students must put in at least 10 hours of "home learning" a week doing independent research, creating art, learning an instrument, etc. Students also mentor or tutor other students who may be struggling to learn a concept, which is far more cost effective than hiring a tutor. The students even have a voice on curriculum committees helping to make decisions regarding classes and textbooks. His final thought is that we should resolve that this is our children's education, not ours, and we need to involve them in the process. What do you think of his approach?
In describing student control in education, he uses the analogy of a bus where students are only allowed off at certain stops. At his Australian charter type school, students have a tremendous amount of choice. The school allows students to take advanced classes based on test scores, so an 8th grader can choose to take an 11th grade physics course. Once a student accomplishes basic reading and math competencies, they are allowed to choose from over 120 classes. The student, with their parent, can determine their schedule and workload. For example, as early as 7th grade, a student can choose between animal care, video game coding, and “Geek Class” (science and computer focused learning).
In addition to classroom instruction, the students must put in at least 10 hours of "home learning" a week doing independent research, creating art, learning an instrument, etc. Students also mentor or tutor other students who may be struggling to learn a concept, which is far more cost effective than hiring a tutor. The students even have a voice on curriculum committees helping to make decisions regarding classes and textbooks. His final thought is that we should resolve that this is our children's education, not ours, and we need to involve them in the process. What do you think of his approach?
Reference:
What if students controlled their own learning? | Peter Hutton | TEDxMelbourne. (2014, November 20). Retrieved April 24, 2017, from https://youtu.be/nMxqEkg3wQ0
I agree that when children are given choices and made to feel that they are in control of their education they are more motivated to work hard and excel.
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