Experience-Based Learning
Experience-based learning – or unschooling – follows the premise that a child’s interest inevitably leads to meaningful, self-initiated study.
For example, my family practices mindful sustainable living. We keep fruit trees and tend a vegetable garden. Dad and I run a rainwater recycling system with gutter spouts, tubing and a catch barrel. Mum loves teaching me to cook – organic of course!
Part of those cooking lessons was also about how to cook without toxins. Teflon and cast iron cookware can release toxins while cooking, but ceramic offers a durable, non-toxic option. Lessons like these, helped me develop a sense of health and wellness as well as learn valuable life skills.
Real-Time Opportunity
Sometimes, events chock full of learning potential happen unexpectedly. When locusts swarmed in record amounts over Dagestan, Russia; we stopped everything and watched all-day video coverage. I subsequently went on to study entomology and the migration patterns of birds and insects.
Global Awareness, Local Concentration
I care about the issues surrounding our community and the world. I like asking my own questions and knowing how to find answers. I love it when answers change due to circumstance, and it really blows me away when I come up with a novel idea no one has considered.
I believe the ability to learn independently and practice out-of-the-box thinking has helped me a great deal in both my career and life.
Emily is the editor of Conservation Folks and a sustainability and conservation blogger. Follow her on Twitter to see the latest updates.
