Defining ourselves in opposition to an idea
- nwatsonjones
- Aug 22
- 2 min read
I've been trying to work out how to define the concept of Self Managed Learning positively, using affirmative statements rather than just placing myself in opposition to traditional schooling, but while I was struggling with this concept, I rediscovered this table from Ian Cunningham's "Self Managed Learning and the New Educational Paradigm" and I think it does a really good job of explaining it!
Traditional Schooling | Self Managed Learning |
Learning is organised by institutions such as schools and colleges | Learning can happen anywhwere and not always in an organised setting |
Young people have to be controlled, otherwise they won't learn. Extrinsic motivation is required. | Young people naturally want to learn given the right support. Intrinsic motivation works. |
Imposed content curriculum | Free - no imposition |
Teacher is in charge | Learner is in charge, they work with an adult when they choose to |
Imposed timetable which pupils must follow | No imposed timetable - students learn as and when they choose |
Decisions made hierarchically | Joint decision-making between young people and adults |
Teachers impose tests | Young people choose if they want to take tests |
Formal relationships between teachers and students | Informal relationships, all on first name terms |
Dress code or uniform | No dress code or uniform |
Students required to be in fixed rooms. No access to toilets or refreshments without permission from teachers | The "rule of two feet" students permitted to go wherever they like on the site. |
Learning is preparation for life, so at some point, learning stops and life starts | Learning occurs from birth to death |
People who can memorise lots of facts are better than people who can't | Everyone is important and can contribute in different ways to their community |
Homework is required | Learning can occur anywhere and there is no compulsory homework |





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