Blake Boles is an advocate for self directed learning. He is an author, speaker and podcaster. He is also the director of Unschool Adventures, a one of a kind travel adventure program for self directed teens. The day we chatted I bundled up for the cold Alberta winter while Blake was enjoying the sun in warm New Zealand.
I first learned of Blake through his podcast, Off Trail Learning. Who was this person that speaks so passionately about self directed learning? Yet he never grew up home educated himself?
I found his website, watched his videos and came across articles he wrote. I liked his idea of the importance of consent in education and learning. His nomadic lifestyle resonated with me. I knew I wanted to have him on this show. I wanted to hear what he has learned from spending so much time with self directed teens.
On this episode Blake addressed the many questions that I have heard on unschooling and self directed learning.
Are self directed teens any different from those that are not? If so, where does this difference come from?
What does it mean to “be educated”?
The difference between unschooling, learning and education.
Is unschooling unrealistic?
What is he hearing from unschooled teens that enter formal education?
Is unschooling and self directed learning only accessible to a small minority of families?
What shifts are happening in education and where?
I ended the episode asking Blake his advice. What would he say to families that are open to exploring self directed learning? Blake offered many resources and left sage advice even for the skeptics. I am looking forward to hearing more from Blake Boles.
Resources:
Blakes Website:
blakeboles.com
Alternative Schools or Self Directed Learning Centres
NorthStar Liberated Learners Network
Blakes article on the difference between Agile Learning Centres, liberated learners and Sudbury Schools
Self Directed Learning and Unschooling Books, Articles and Research
Peter Gray: A Survey of Grown Unschoolers
The Self Driven Child: The Science and Sense of Giving Your Kids More Control Over Their Lives
Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience
Alliance For Self Directed Education
Outliers: The Story of Success- Malcolm Gladwell
If you would like to hear more about self directed learning:
Why Self Directed Learning is Important: Madison Kanna
