The learner knows best

Jeremy links to Rob Paterson's frustrations with the current state of education. Rob's plea is for student engagement through choice. He richly illustrates his point, that:

…when kids follow what they want to learn that they do well,

with his son's story and calls for a school foundered on student choice.

Commenting on Rob's post, Cyn provides a link to the type of school he envisions. On the Full Circle Co-operative School homepage, teacher Scott Davidson offers an insightful reflection on his role:

I've learned that each student knows what is best for herself/himself and I can, indeed, must, act as a guide only.

In a timely post, so typical of the serendipity of blogging, Will Richardson quotes Pew Internet's prediction on formal education:

Enabled by information technologies, the pace of learning in the next decade will increasingly be set by student choices. In ten years, most students will spend at least part of their "school days" in virtual classes, grouped online with others who share their interests, mastery, and skills.

and discusses the role of the teacher in such a future. Frank Carver continues the conversation noting that the role and organisation of schools must also change as students spend more time in virtual classes of their own choosing.

It's about relinquishing authority and control—becoming a community of learners. When will we learn that sometimes the learner knows best?