The Year Of Learning Dangerously Adventures In Homeschooling

A year of homeschooling. What could possibly go wrong? In this honest and wry memoir, popular blogger, author, and former child actor Quinn Cummings recounts her family’s decision to wade into the unfamiliar waters of homeschooling – the fastest-growing educational trend of our time -- despite a chronic lack of discipline, some major gaps in academic knowledge, and a serious case of math aversion. (And that’s just Quinn.) Quinn’s fearless quest includes some self-homeschooling – reading up on education reform, debating the need for “socialization,” and infiltrating conferences filled with Radical Unschoolers as well as Christian fundamentalists (and even chaperoning a homeschool prom). Part personal narrative, part social commentary, and part how-not-to guide, The Year of Learning Dangerously will make you laugh and make you think. And there may or may not be a quiz at the end. OK, there’s no quiz. Probably.

This thought-provoking book explores issues and trends related to the growing practice of homeschooling. Readers will examine whether homeschooling produces positive academic outcomes, whether homeschooling supports or violates progressive values, and whether Christian homeschooling limits or expands children's' options. Essay sources include The Old Schoolhouse Magazine, Kathryn Joyce, Conor Friedersdorf, and Alexandra Jacobs.

Deep learning is a committed approach to learning. It is a process of constructing and interpreting new knowledge in light of prior cognitive structures and experiences, which can be applied in new, unfamiliar contexts. Deep learning produces learning that lasts a lifetime; and it results in better quality learning and profound understanding. In contrast, surface learning involves a dispassionate approach to learning. The surface learner is not concerned with understanding. Information acquired is usually lost after examinations; and there is no profound understanding or knowledge construction. Research studies show that most university and college students today take a surface approach to learning. The purpose of this book is to show readers how to create a learning environment that promotes deep learning in their classes. The book will do so by providing readers with the theoretical and pedagogical tools needed to: • Understand the notion of deep learning • Design and implement courses that encourage students to take a deep approach to learning • Design engaging and innovative teaching and learning activities that encourage students to use higher-order cognitive skills to construct knowledge and negotiate meaning • Implement assessment tools aimed at facilitating the deep learning process • Support international and other nontraditional students to construct learning deeply. The book begins with an examination of the big picture: the institutional constraints that hinder a culture of deep learning. From there, it deconstructs the concept of deep learning, and it examines every element of the deep learning process. It also discusses the factors that contribute to produce a deep learning environment. The rest of the chapters are about how to facilitate deep learning. The book examines every component of the teaching and learning system: goals, performances, and evaluation. It discusses strategies and methods that teachers can adopt to help students learn how to read and write in their disciplines in a deep way. The book also discusses the notion of inclusive deep learning environments which focus on engaging nontraditional students.

At a time when standardized testing businesses are raking in huge profits, when many schools are struggling, and students and educators everywhere are suffering under the strain, Ken Robinson argues for an end to our outmoded industrial educational system. He proposes instead a highly personalized, organic approach that draws on today's unprecedented technological and professional resources to engage all students, develop their love of learning, and enable them to face the real challenges of the twenty-first century. Filled with anecdotes, observations, and recommendations from professionals on the front line of transformative education, case histories, and groundbreaking research, Creative Schools aims to inspire teachers, parents, and policy makers alike to rethink the real nature and purpose of education.

Learn how to acquire a personalized education through self-directed learning, and meet post-secondary entrance requirements.