In the landscape of mainstream education, there's an earthquake building, one that is long overdue. The tectonic shifts below the surface threaten to crumble traditional models of forced and compulsory learning to an approach that places choice, autonomy, and intrinsic motivation at the forefront. The concept of youth agency is one that is afforded a fair bit of lip service in K-12 discourse. Unfortunately, there is a suspicious disconnect between catch phrases and action. Student-centered learning is gaining recognition as a powerful way to nurture curious minds and grow a genuine love for knowledge. The missing component of consent is one that isn't often addressed, as it may cause us to dig deep beneath the surface of the perceived purpose of education and risk a catastrophic earthquake that rocks our foundational understanding of how learning actually happens. Let's get crazy and purposely dive into the reasons why learning should be consensual and voluntary and discover the benefits that this approach brings to learners, educators, administrators, and the overall learning environment.
Intrinsic motivation is the highest form of engagement. Close your eyes and imagine embarking on a learning journey that aligns perfectly with your interests and passions. The sense of fulfillment a learner of any age gets from choosing what to learn and how to learn it can't be replicated in a forced learning scenario. Yet, we see the latter attempted far more often than the former. When learning is consensual, learners are driven by intrinsic motivation. Activated is the internal desire to explore, understand, and master a subject, with little fear of failure or judgment, when done correctly. Deep engagement leads to deeper comprehension of the material. The effect is pronounced, as learners begin to actively seek to connect with and absorb the knowledge. This is common knowledge in education and still we hold tight to what doesn't work, claiming to be afraid of the unknown.
An equally understood concept is that personalization significantly enhances the learning experience. We know that one size does not fit all when it comes to learning. Each learner has a unique approach, pace, experiences, and set of interests. Voluntary learning acknowledges this diversity and holds space for individuals to tailor their learning experience accordingly. Exercising choice in the selection of subjects that resonate with them, choosing the most effective study methods for them, and knowing they have the ability to take charge of their own education, all result in a more personalized and enriching journey. This is a consensual process in action.
Relevance in education breeds meaningful learning for students. Learning becomes truly meaningful when it has a direct connection to an individual's life and aspirations. Voluntary learning allows learners to explore topics that resonate with their personal experiences, interests, and career goals. As a result, the knowledge gained is seen as applicable and relevant, making the learning process more enjoyable and increasing the likelihood of its retention.
If we truly want to enact growth, we must understand the intersecting role of autonomy and responsibility. In a consensual learning environment, learners are not just recipients of knowledge; they are active participants in their educational journey. In fact, according to Paolo Friere in his book, "Pedagogy of the Oppressed", the idea of "Banking" style education, where learners are seen as empty vessels in need of a knower to make deposits is counterproductive to learning and opposes the very definition of education. Students must be the producers of knowledge. In order to do so, they need spaces designed to set them free to explore. Autonomy not only nurtures crucial life skills such as time management, goal setting, and decision-making but also instills a sense of responsibility for one's learning outcomes. Learners become accountable for their progress, leading to a greater sense of accomplishment. No one can hold a learner more accountable than themselves, if they have autonomy and agency.
Learning can only happen in a stress-free learning environment. Attempts to force learning leads to stress and anxiety. This school-induced trauma creates a negative association with education. Conversely, consensual learning reduces negative emotions by removing the pressure to conform. Learning cannot be measured by compliance! When learners have the freedom to choose what they study, they approach learning with a positive, growth mindset, allowing for a more enjoyable and effective learning experience.
Our job as educators is to facilitate a lifelong love for learning. We are responsible for planting seeds and providing nutrient rich soil for growth, not harvesting and sorting learners. Contrary to popularly imposed belief, schools do not own education and learning. Furthermore, learning should not be confined to the walls of a classroom, the daily class schedule, or the duration of a course. Consensual learning fosters a lifelong attitude toward acquiring and producing knowledge. It is critical that we embrace curiosity and continuous learning. Daydreaming should be encouraged, especially in schools. Curious learners, who are unafraid to dream, try, fail, and grow are better equipped to adapt to new challenges, opportunities, and changes in their personal and professional lives.
Consensual learning should be included in any discussion of student-centered learning. It is a concept that acknowledges the power of agency and autonomy in shaping meaningful educational journeys for learners. If we authentically embrace this approach, we will begin to build environments where learners become active participants in their own growth, fueling a lifelong love for learning. Let's begin to use what we know about intrinsic motivation and personalized learning to lessen school-induced trauma, encourage curiosity, and enhance creativity. Consensual learning is a transformative approach to disrupt the dominant, failing paradigm of mainstream education. It's time to free education from the grip of school and systems and watch it become beautifully noncompliant.
