| Subject |
Traditional Learning |
Natural Learning |
| Child viewed as |
an empty vessel waiting to be filled, or to be trained like an animal |
a sprouting seed on its way to becoming a tree |
| Adult viewed as |
a fount of knowledge, or an authority figure on which the child must depend |
a model to imitate, a resource and helper |
| Learning is |
a result of teaching, or being shown or told |
a process of satisfying the desire to know and be able to do, discovery |
| Learning occurs |
in a logical, orderly way, in graded increments |
in subtle and complex recognition of patterns, unplanned and unordered |
| Everyday life and learning |
are separate in time and space |
are integrated and interdependent |
| Ideal amount of learning |
is 13 years plus 4 or more optional years |
begins at birth and lasts a lifetime |
| Focus of learning is |
on the learner's weaknesses, to bring them up to the level of strong areas (which tend to weaken through disuse) |
on the learner's strong points, while weak areas tend to gradually improve as a matter of course |
| Curriculum is |
pre-determined by the teacher or the school system, is limited in scope and expensive |
determined by student and available experiences, broad or narrow depending on the interest and energy of the moment |
| Subjects to learn |
are separate and distinct from one another |
are integrated and fluid |
| Textbooks & workbooks |
are the primary source of information, and generally no other questions are entertained |
are seldom used, except as references (or for props in playing 'school'...) |
| The schedule is |
inflexible, by the clock |
based on individual and family needs, subject to serendipity, as in the "learning moment" |
| Success is defined |
as conforming to society's expectations, or as completing 11,970 hours of sitting at a desk |
as being able to transition into the adult world as a self-assured productive citizen |
| Failure to succeed is |
noted, punished, and can become a life sentence |
accepted as part of life, and an opportunity to try again |
| Learning disabilities are |
special 'advantages' that provide entitlements, or flaws to be corrected or glossed over |
recognized as different learning styles that require uncommon approaches to common skills |
| Authority is vested in |
the teacher, the institution, the society, or anyone who is bigger or stronger (through control and manipulation) |
the individual, to be delegated to others as appropriate, through respect, consensus, and representation |
| Reading |
must be mastered at age 6 or 7, otherwise learning cannot progress |
begins anytime between 3 and 13, and late readers have advantages such as the chance to experience the world more directly |
| Math is |
a series of facts and formulas to be learned for use in abstract problem solving |
a way of relating patterns and relationships to the problems of everyday life so as to find useful and appropriate solutions |
| The arts are |
an exercise in conformity |
a means of communication for the expression of feelings for which we may lack words |
| Science |
is a special field of study for the affluent and advantaged |
is all around us and only requires time for observation, thought and inquiry |
| Social studies & history |
is presented as an exercise in memorizing inconsequential facts and dates, or is used as a means of conveying 'politically correct' world views and politics |
begins with the child's own history and relates everything together as a means of understanding where we are now, and why; helps children respect others by respecting themselves |
| Grammar and spelling |
provides unreliable and frustrating rules to memorize |
provides interesting patterns and families of words that really do help and make sense |
| Writing |
a means of abusing children by changing from printing to italics to cursive without respecting their own individuality |
a means of communication which is perfected through real use, rather than through tedious exercises |
| Health |
another opportunity for political propaganda, since the real agenda is to keep the doctors well supplied with patients |
an opportunity to discuss cause and effect, to encourage the development of healthy habits, and to free us from dependence on doctors |
| Occupational education |
how to fill out job applications, unionize and strike for higher wages, and become dependent on the government as much as possible |
opportunities for experiencing the gratification of earning your own money, developing a work ethic, and becoming self-sufficient |
| Play is |
irrelevant and frivolous |
necessary to learning; a natural way to practice relevant skills |
| Socialization is |
relating to others the same age only, learning to conform |
respecting others' differences, being self confident, responsible |
