Everyone must have an education in order to understand how to read and write, but it is not necessary to learn in a traditional classroom by listening to professors lecturing.
Some people learn better in different ways as each of us is unique. With this in mind, the future is taking our education further than most of us ever thought possible.
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In the past, students were taught information either with “hands-on” experience or in the harsh and cruel world.
We will explore the alternatives to traditional education as they may be something that will lead you to a greater understanding of what options are available.
Alternative #1: Homeschool method
For hundreds of years, parents taught their children at home because there were no schools nearby or because that was just the way things were done.
Today, many families are returning to homeschool methods due to religious or personal preference reasons. Parents enjoy having a child learn in a one-on-one format or with siblings, instead of overcrowded classrooms, and the control of content is comforting to many parents as well.
In many cases, a child taught at home has higher test scores than a student taught in a traditional classroom.
Alternative #2: Indigenous learning
Many cultural groups are choosing to open schools that teach in particular languages, including Spanish or Chinese. Schools want students to reclaim their cultural heritage by learning using methods such as observation of others.
Total immersion by learning only one subject at a time, instead of several at once is a common practice in indigenous schools.
Alternative #3: Online degrees
With modern technology, anyone can learn using a computer and an Internet connection. Online learning is steadily increasing in popularity as more universities offer a variety of degree options.
By studying online, a student is often able to log in to watch lectures, read information or complete tests at any time of the day or night. Online education allows individuals living in remote areas to attend college easily and can help further any dedicated individual’s career.
*Information credit to the online art education degree program at University of Florida.
Alternative #4: Self-directed education
Someone who does not like attending a traditional school can choose self-directed learning instead. This involves finding resources to learn independently by reading books, newspapers and magazines.
Learning by doing is also a part of self-directed education, with individuals participating in activities such as joining a community orchestra to learn more about playing a musical instrument.
Lifelong learning maintains brain health
Today, there are individuals who want to learn in an alternative way due to family or work responsibilities that make attending school on a particular schedule difficult.
There are great reasons to keep learning throughout a lifetime in order to understand new information discovered by scientists and historians. Lifelong learning helps to maintain the human brain’s synapses, making it less likely that someone will develop dementia as they age.
rianne hunter
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[…] all quite aware of the importance of education […]