The Future(?) Of Education

Sitting cross-legged, eyes closed, students meditate on a mat. It’s bright and early and there is a man clad in a robe who, though he’s leading the session, isn’t saying anything. In fact, not a word is spoken for over 30 minutes: the only audible sounds are the contemplative breaths – in…and out… -- of the students as they mentally, emotionally, and physically prepare for the day. One student focuses on God; another on her loved ones; and another on subduing his evolutionary drive to propagate genes with every female that crosses his mind (Good luck).

Relaxed, cleansed, and prepared, the students grab their breakfast. They’re encouraged to focus on their food, how delicious it is, how lucky they are to eat it. 

Shortly afterwards a gong echoes—It’s deliberate practice time. From 9-12 everyday, kids 14 and older enter the Pursuit of Mastery course, where they spend three hours developing, refining, mastering a skill set of their choice – mathematics, music, writing, art, science, etc – by developing the pattern recognitions that come with thousands of hours of smart work. If appropriate, they incorporate other academic subjects into their training.

Deliberate Practice is honored by a few words from the Headmaster, some music from volunteers, and a scrumptious meal (Imagine a feast straight out of Hogwarts).

Following a short rest, students have SDP (Self-Designed Projects). They select their project, their team, and their methodology accomplishing their project. They find mentors, either through their school, their community, or the internet. Although projects are open-ended, they’re rigorously monitored and progress is tracked weekly. Every few months – barring extenuating circumstances – students start a new project. By the time students graduate, they will have done the following: written a book/thesis, played on a sports team, started a business, traveled, worked with a charity, performed a stand up comedy routine, taken a public speaking course, and mastered a game or subject.

At 6 PM, students are done for the day and have the night for themselves. Perhaps they’d like to continue their projects, or engage in Dead Poets Society-esque activities, or do something else entirely.

Weekends consist of a variety of events, hosted by students, community members, or the school itself. Studies will have concluded that Start Up weekend type events – where you delve into specific subjects for long and consecutive periods of time (2 days straight) – are incredibly efficient, effective, and fun. Thus there will be two-day events that simulate starting a business, teaching a class, making a mini-film, working in congress, just to name a few, as well as the traditional camping, sports, and travel expeditions.

Welcome to the Future(?) of Education.