Show Notes
This is the second of two episodes on homeschooling and self-directed learning. My guest is writer, speaker, and fellow podcaster Blake Boles, whose work invites students and families to re-evaluate the traditional schooling model–are the typical high school and college experiences really the best ways to spend your time? On this episode we discuss:
Can you (really) quit high school and not totally ruin your life?
Why is this the best time ever for self-directed learning?
How can we all be more self directed learners?
Why you should: Google everything, Email strangers, and Find your nerd clan
The benefits of skipping college (or at least taking a gap year)
How to know if you’re making a decision for you (and not your parents)?
Again, a warning: Listen too closely to this episode and it could mean that this is the very last College Essay Guy podcast episode you listen to… and that could be a very cool thing.
Play-by-Play
[1:40] Who is Blake Boles?
[4:00] What is self-directed learning? (and a little backstory)|
[6:52] The Twelve Action Themes for Gatto’s Guerrilla Curriculum
[11:10] Can you quit high school and things will turn out OK?
[13:52] Why is this the best time ever for self-directed learning?
[16:47] Who can benefit from self-directed learning?
[18:38] How everyone can use Self-Directed Learning
[19:50] How can we all be more self directed learners?
[21:11] Consensual versus non-consensual learning examples
[23:30] What are some ways to inspire ourselves/others to be self-directed learners?
[27:10] Why should students Google everything?
[31:40] Why should students email strangers?
[33:00] What are nerd clans?
[34:30] Is it possible to build a successful life without a degree?
[37:17] What are some benefits of skipping college (or a gap year)?
[41:10] How do you know if you’re making a decision for you (and not your parents)?
[45:00] Resources from Blake
[51:10] What Blake is most excited about
Relevant LINKS:
Average is Over – Book
A Case Against Education – Book
The Self Driven Child – Book
