Is it possible to inspire students to learn instead of teaching them how to memorize a base of common knowledge?
Is it possible to embrace the curiosity inherent within children and guide the learning process instead of mastering dates, times, and events for a test?
Is it possible to develop the individual child instead of teaching to the middle?
Is it possible to foster the skills of finding solutions instead of seeking correct answers?
Is it possible to measure the growth of each child individually instead of comparatively?
Is it possible to celebrate failure as part of the learning process instead of only rewarding correctness?
Is it possible to pursue individual dreams instead of group compliance?
Is it possible to learn the child instead of teach to the test?
Is it possible to place value on the question instead of just the answer?
Is it possible to have learning environments instead of classrooms?
Is it possible to stimulate the mind instead of numbing the senses?
Is it possible?
Showing posts with label unschool. Show all posts
Showing posts with label unschool. Show all posts
Monday, February 24, 2014
Monday, February 10, 2014
High attrition rates at virtual schools are caused by . . .
. . . several things really. Fortunately, most of the causes can be addressed.
Last week I wrote a blog discussing the buzzwords of virtual schools and received several emails asking me my opinion regarding the attrition rates in virtual schools. As I shared with those who reached out to me, there are a myriad of reasons why families choose to leave virtual schools. The question is, "Which ones can you impact positively to reduce the attrition rate?" Those are the ones you really want to focus your attention on.
With that in mind let me offer three reasons why families are leaving virtual schools, sometimes at alarming rates.
1) Expectations not being met.
I alluded to this in my buzzword blog, and will expound upon it here. Virtual schools typically position themselves as offering programs that are individualized, personalized, and flexible for families. My contention is the definitions placed upon these words by virtual schools do not mirror the definitions that families place upon them. And, what matters the most is the what the families expect when they hear these words.
If a virtual school states that they offer an "individualized program where a student can progress at his/her own pace," as a prospective family, I expect that to mean my child can move at the pace best suited for him. Unfortunately the reality is far different.
Personalized? Surely that means specific to me. Again, the reality is quite different. And, then there is flexible. Flexible is one that can fit here where expectations are not being met, but it can also stand alone as a reason even when expectations are understood. (See #3 below)
2) Too much work
Right or wrong, like it or not, state tests are the measuring rods of public schools, including virtual public schools. Has this stymied the promise of virtual schools? That is the subject for another blog. What it has created though is a workload for families that is difficult to sustain.
Imagine being in the eighth grade, taking 5-6 courses each day with multiple quizzes and projects to turn in weekly, then having to participate in mandatory class connects with teachers, spend time each day working on test prep lessons, teacher office hours, find time for club activity, and even do some additional testing so the schools can show academic progress throughout the school year.
Exhausting yes? Now, imagine you are the parent of the eighth grader, having to help your child stay on top of all of those responsibilities, and, oh by the way, you also have a fourth grader and second grader enrolled too.
Parents leave virtual schools complaining about the rigor and the virtual schools believe it to mean the rigor of the academic content. In reality, it is the ongoing workload that is causing the problem with too much of it simply to prepare students to exceed on state tests.
3) Lack of flexibility
This is really an addendum to the first point but warrants more explanation because it too can be a stand-alone reason for families leaving - even when the expectations are clearly communicated and understood. Virtual schools are 'choice' schools meaning families choose to attend them, and they can choose to leave them.
A primary reason families decide to enroll in virtual schools is the promise of flexibility. In comparison to brick and mortar public schools, virtual school do offer more flexibility, but is it enough. Families hear flexibility and they tend to believe they can "do school when we want to," "take December off," "take a vacation when we want to," etc.
Families have the perception that virtual schooling is similar to home school, it is just free. In reality though, virtual schools mirror their brick and mortar counterparts more than home school when it comes to flexibility.
When families being to feel the pressure and burden of meeting all of the responsibilities outlined in the second point, and then realize they do not have the level of flexibility they desired, they tend to bolt.
I have not even mentioned how students/families are treated, communication issues, and training for administrators/teachers. Perhaps I will save these for a future blog.
However, a virtual school that is willing to go to the edge and cause a ruckus, can counteract these reasons for leaving. It takes courage, it takes the willingness to carve a new path, but the end result can be a virtual school that stands out from the competition - one that has students lining up to enter rather than exit.
But, you say, if I were to do something like this, how could I be sure test scores would improve? You can't. But, what is certain is that existing efforts are not doing much to improve these scores either.
So, why not try something completely unique?
Feel free to share your thoughts below.
www.figment-consulting.com
Last week I wrote a blog discussing the buzzwords of virtual schools and received several emails asking me my opinion regarding the attrition rates in virtual schools. As I shared with those who reached out to me, there are a myriad of reasons why families choose to leave virtual schools. The question is, "Which ones can you impact positively to reduce the attrition rate?" Those are the ones you really want to focus your attention on.
With that in mind let me offer three reasons why families are leaving virtual schools, sometimes at alarming rates.
1) Expectations not being met.
I alluded to this in my buzzword blog, and will expound upon it here. Virtual schools typically position themselves as offering programs that are individualized, personalized, and flexible for families. My contention is the definitions placed upon these words by virtual schools do not mirror the definitions that families place upon them. And, what matters the most is the what the families expect when they hear these words.
If a virtual school states that they offer an "individualized program where a student can progress at his/her own pace," as a prospective family, I expect that to mean my child can move at the pace best suited for him. Unfortunately the reality is far different.
Personalized? Surely that means specific to me. Again, the reality is quite different. And, then there is flexible. Flexible is one that can fit here where expectations are not being met, but it can also stand alone as a reason even when expectations are understood. (See #3 below)
2) Too much work
Right or wrong, like it or not, state tests are the measuring rods of public schools, including virtual public schools. Has this stymied the promise of virtual schools? That is the subject for another blog. What it has created though is a workload for families that is difficult to sustain.
Imagine being in the eighth grade, taking 5-6 courses each day with multiple quizzes and projects to turn in weekly, then having to participate in mandatory class connects with teachers, spend time each day working on test prep lessons, teacher office hours, find time for club activity, and even do some additional testing so the schools can show academic progress throughout the school year.
Exhausting yes? Now, imagine you are the parent of the eighth grader, having to help your child stay on top of all of those responsibilities, and, oh by the way, you also have a fourth grader and second grader enrolled too.
Parents leave virtual schools complaining about the rigor and the virtual schools believe it to mean the rigor of the academic content. In reality, it is the ongoing workload that is causing the problem with too much of it simply to prepare students to exceed on state tests.
3) Lack of flexibility
This is really an addendum to the first point but warrants more explanation because it too can be a stand-alone reason for families leaving - even when the expectations are clearly communicated and understood. Virtual schools are 'choice' schools meaning families choose to attend them, and they can choose to leave them.
A primary reason families decide to enroll in virtual schools is the promise of flexibility. In comparison to brick and mortar public schools, virtual school do offer more flexibility, but is it enough. Families hear flexibility and they tend to believe they can "do school when we want to," "take December off," "take a vacation when we want to," etc.
Families have the perception that virtual schooling is similar to home school, it is just free. In reality though, virtual schools mirror their brick and mortar counterparts more than home school when it comes to flexibility.
When families being to feel the pressure and burden of meeting all of the responsibilities outlined in the second point, and then realize they do not have the level of flexibility they desired, they tend to bolt.
I have not even mentioned how students/families are treated, communication issues, and training for administrators/teachers. Perhaps I will save these for a future blog.
However, a virtual school that is willing to go to the edge and cause a ruckus, can counteract these reasons for leaving. It takes courage, it takes the willingness to carve a new path, but the end result can be a virtual school that stands out from the competition - one that has students lining up to enter rather than exit.
But, you say, if I were to do something like this, how could I be sure test scores would improve? You can't. But, what is certain is that existing efforts are not doing much to improve these scores either.
So, why not try something completely unique?
Feel free to share your thoughts below.
www.figment-consulting.com
Tuesday, January 21, 2014
The Education of US
Imagine a world where the education system cared about the students.
Imagine a world where the educators could treat the students as customers.
Imagine a world where families could choose schools like they do when ordering at Starbucks -- a customized learning experience tailored to each child.
Imagine a world where students could be encouraged to think rather than memorize facts for a test.
Imagine a world where failure could be celebrated as a step toward learning the content.
Imagine a world where students could be rewarded for doing their best -- no matter what grade was assigned to the result of that effort.
Imagine . . . remember, all that we have today first began as an idea, and nothing is impossible.
www.figment-consulting.com
Imagine a world where the educators could treat the students as customers.
Imagine a world where families could choose schools like they do when ordering at Starbucks -- a customized learning experience tailored to each child.
Imagine a world where students could be encouraged to think rather than memorize facts for a test.
Imagine a world where failure could be celebrated as a step toward learning the content.
Imagine a world where students could be rewarded for doing their best -- no matter what grade was assigned to the result of that effort.
Imagine . . . remember, all that we have today first began as an idea, and nothing is impossible.
www.figment-consulting.com
Thursday, December 12, 2013
The problem with Khan Academy
There is none really. Sure it has flaws and there is always room for improvement but overall there is no problem with it.
It is up to the virtual schools, the online providers, and even the regular brick and mortar schools (and charter schools) to learn how to exist with Khan Academy. And, in doing so, their offerings can become better - both academically and experiential.
There will even be some who incorporate Khan into the mix by embracing what it has to offer rather than try to simply overcome it. This is called cooperation.
Author and blogger Seth Godin says it much better than I could, "The problem with competition is that it takes away the requirement to set your own path, to invent your own method, to find a new way."
The real problem therefore is not with Khan Academy, rather it is that too many see it as competition instead of opportunity. Change your perception and a world of potential is opened up to you.
It is up to the virtual schools, the online providers, and even the regular brick and mortar schools (and charter schools) to learn how to exist with Khan Academy. And, in doing so, their offerings can become better - both academically and experiential.
There will even be some who incorporate Khan into the mix by embracing what it has to offer rather than try to simply overcome it. This is called cooperation.
Author and blogger Seth Godin says it much better than I could, "The problem with competition is that it takes away the requirement to set your own path, to invent your own method, to find a new way."
The real problem therefore is not with Khan Academy, rather it is that too many see it as competition instead of opportunity. Change your perception and a world of potential is opened up to you.
Tuesday, December 10, 2013
A light shining in the darkness
One small light shining in the darkness can be the brightest object in the room, and it draws all of the attention.
If you want to be different from your competitors then find the darkness and let your light shine. If you do not then you will simply blend in, and go unnoticed.
It can be hard to see in the dark. That's why we need your light.
If you want to be different from your competitors then find the darkness and let your light shine. If you do not then you will simply blend in, and go unnoticed.
It can be hard to see in the dark. That's why we need your light.
Monday, December 2, 2013
Why home schoolers are not listening to you (part 2)
Several weeks ago I wrote a blog sharing with you why home schoolers are not listening to you. It generated some good questions from readers with many of them having a common thread. So, I thought I would do a little "Q and A" with one of the questions that was, by far, most popular in the emails coming to me.
Question: What is the most effective way to build trust with home schoolers?
Answer: Be trustworthy.
You must understand the world view of the niche within the home school market that aligns with yours, and be all you can be to them. Doing so will allow you to be authentic, which leads to trust. It takes time though so don't expect it overnight.
Remember, your product, your service will not appeal to all home schoolers. In fact, it probably will not appeal to the majority of them. Rather than spend your time trying to convince them otherwise, invest your time finding those home schoolers who want to hear what you have to say. They are the ones willing to give you a chance to earn their trust.
Question: What is the most effective way to build trust with home schoolers?
Answer: Be trustworthy.
You must understand the world view of the niche within the home school market that aligns with yours, and be all you can be to them. Doing so will allow you to be authentic, which leads to trust. It takes time though so don't expect it overnight.
Remember, your product, your service will not appeal to all home schoolers. In fact, it probably will not appeal to the majority of them. Rather than spend your time trying to convince them otherwise, invest your time finding those home schoolers who want to hear what you have to say. They are the ones willing to give you a chance to earn their trust.
Tuesday, November 19, 2013
Home school v Home schooler
I recently conducted some training around the difference between "home school" and "home schooler" in order to help educate the client so they could better target the customer they wanted to reach.
If you have a desire to penetrate the home school market, it is imperative you understand this difference.
Why?
1) Your return on investment will jump because you are targeting the overall crowd that more closely aligns with your worldview
2) Your message, your story, will better resonate with the crowd you truly intend to serve because you are targeting the right crowd
3) Your advertising (search, display, and banner) will be displayed in the appropriate places, at the appropriate times, and will allow you to forgo other advertising opportunities that appear beneficial but are actually a waste of dollars
4) Your time and energy will be spent attracting those customers who want to hear from you, and are willing to listen to what you have to say
"Home school" or "Home schooler"? Do you know the difference? If you do it could dramatically impact your marketing strategy.
If you have a desire to penetrate the home school market, it is imperative you understand this difference.
Why?
1) Your return on investment will jump because you are targeting the overall crowd that more closely aligns with your worldview
2) Your message, your story, will better resonate with the crowd you truly intend to serve because you are targeting the right crowd
3) Your advertising (search, display, and banner) will be displayed in the appropriate places, at the appropriate times, and will allow you to forgo other advertising opportunities that appear beneficial but are actually a waste of dollars
4) Your time and energy will be spent attracting those customers who want to hear from you, and are willing to listen to what you have to say
"Home school" or "Home schooler"? Do you know the difference? If you do it could dramatically impact your marketing strategy.
Thursday, November 14, 2013
The Diversity of Home
In my previous post I answered the question as to why home schoolers are not listening to you. Today I want to discuss the diversity of who you are trying to talk to.
So, you have developed a product, or an online course offering and you want to target home schoolers (at least that is what you believe). The real question though is whose worldview best aligns with what you have to offer: home schoolers, unschoolers, eclectic, secular, Christian, traditional, school-at-home, etc.? And, keep in mind we have not even tapped into methodology: Charlotte Mason, Classical (Trivium, Quadrivium), Montessori, Unit Study, Waldorf, and many more.
Oh wait I almost forgot. We must also explore their reasons for choosing to educate at home.
* Provide a better education for my children
* Religious/moral reasons
* Concerned about issues at public/private schools
* Socialization issues
* Medical reasons
* Family issues
* and many more
Too many companies, organizations, and schools view home schoolers through one lens and they fail to recognize the mosaic of families who have chosen to educate their children at home. In order to build relationships with these families, you must first begin to understand them, and their reasons for choosing this option.
Yes, there are over 2.3 million families educating their children at home and that does equate to a billion dollar industry annually. However, it doesn't mean you should or even could serve all of them. Instead, let's find your niche within this market and craft your message to reach those who align with you. Serve them well and they will share you with others and help you grow.
Remember, home school is a market. Within that market lies communities of families who want to hear what you have to say.
So, you have developed a product, or an online course offering and you want to target home schoolers (at least that is what you believe). The real question though is whose worldview best aligns with what you have to offer: home schoolers, unschoolers, eclectic, secular, Christian, traditional, school-at-home, etc.? And, keep in mind we have not even tapped into methodology: Charlotte Mason, Classical (Trivium, Quadrivium), Montessori, Unit Study, Waldorf, and many more.
Oh wait I almost forgot. We must also explore their reasons for choosing to educate at home.
* Provide a better education for my children
* Religious/moral reasons
* Concerned about issues at public/private schools
* Socialization issues
* Medical reasons
* Family issues
* and many more
Too many companies, organizations, and schools view home schoolers through one lens and they fail to recognize the mosaic of families who have chosen to educate their children at home. In order to build relationships with these families, you must first begin to understand them, and their reasons for choosing this option.
Yes, there are over 2.3 million families educating their children at home and that does equate to a billion dollar industry annually. However, it doesn't mean you should or even could serve all of them. Instead, let's find your niche within this market and craft your message to reach those who align with you. Serve them well and they will share you with others and help you grow.
Remember, home school is a market. Within that market lies communities of families who want to hear what you have to say.
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