To modernize learning, we need to go back to basics.
Newton proposed that all things in the universe worked in a mechanical and predictable way. During the industrial revolution our health, education, and livelihood stopped being local issues, and became part of much larger organized systems of operation. The problem is that students are not mechanical or predictable. I believe that schools based on Newtonian assumptions of reality are dehumanizing to both students as well as staff.
Even "alternative" school systems have Newtonian assumptions about the process of learning. For example, most schools assume that: learners can be produced by putting them through the educational system, learning can be separated into subjects, subject and lesson is determined by the age of the student, there is a set of knowledge that all students should have, or that learning requires desks or schools. It is time to rethink our assumptions and underlying beliefs about learning.
One of the first principles of quantum physics is that elements in the universe are influenced by their relationship to and with other elements in the universe. Newtonian systems look at the function of the parts within a system, and a quantum approach looks at the relationships and integration. A Newtonian system is very determinate with specific goals and control, while a quantum approach values emergent themes, self-organizing events, and trust. A Newtonian school system is focused on teaching the facts of reality, a quantum system would focus on potential and what could be. A Newtonian system values duplicity, and the quantum approach values fractals and variations on themes. We will make use of quantum leadership to make the community our classroom by partnering with local industry, small business, agriculture, and government. Students will learn the same content as other students in the state, but the skills will be taught using experiential opportunities in the community.
I believe that the future of education is not rooted in better curriculum, tests, or technology; I believe that the future of education echoes very old wisdom about learning. Socrates said, "I cannot teach anybody anything, I can only make them think." Our goal is to invite students to think by exposing them to academic concepts in real-life situations in our valley. Research and personal experiences have demonstrated that authentic learning and engagement requires teaching from the heart and connecting with each student. We are developing the Experiential Leadership Academy to provide a meaningful alternative to learning from a textbook: so that students can learn all the skills that they will need to thrive in their relationships, career, and personal wellbeing.
