| Popis: |
The well-known phrase of ‘thinking outside the box’ is a metaphor referring to the process of viewing things differently, from new perspectives, or in an unconventional way. It has become a shorthand way of describing innovation and creativity in finding solutions to problems. In relation to ‘the problem of education’ this same metaphor of thinking outside the square can be applied to thinking outside the classroom, and even outside the school. Compulsory schooling is seen as a basic responsibility of civil society, yet for many adolescents it can be a narrowly defined experience which limits them inside the box. Alternative learning programs that engage young people and offer educational opportunities in which they are able to contribute agency and learn for their own sake, not just for learning’s sake, are well documented and include an emerging field of educational provision labelled Not-school: learning that is generally non-formal or informal, yet contributes to re-engagement, skill development and increased motivation for young people that can be ends in themselves, as well as creating pathways into formal learning and/or further education. Not-school programs are literally outside the box; outside the boundaries imposed by traditional compulsory schooling. This paper describes the Not-school trend with examples of educational initiatives and practices that contribute to the schooling of children and young people, yet do not occur within the physical boundaries of the classroom and school, often not even delivered by qualified teachers, and in many cases engaging young people through creative, innovative and entrepreneurial methods. Refereed/Peer-reviewed |
