When communicating educational philosophy I often discuss the value of focused learning over volume learning. In typical school settings children are expected to memorize large volumes of information over short periods of time and take multiple choice tests to demonstrate their memorization of the information. The only skill learned is memorization. With focused learning students are permitted the freedom to study topics for extended periods of time. They are encouraged to research, review primary documents, and formulate their own unique theories. Focused based learning allows students to remain on a topic for as long as they need. For example, when it is time to study the civil war, don't have children memorize three weeks of information from a textbook, Allow them the freedom to read the original writings of the people involved. What did Grant write to Lincoln in their personal communications? How did Stonewall Jackson describe the causes of the war?
Some differences are obvious. With textbook learning children learn the skill of memorization. They also associate the work they should do with the orders of those in positions of perceived authority. Learning takes the form of chore over the form of pursuit. Focused long formed learning allows students to pursue their own interest and formulate their own ideas within a topic of study. Students get into the habit of determining the direction and pursuit of their learning and judge their own work in review of the theories they develop. Children are able to follow and explore their logical and creative minds simultaneously. The difference is that of memorization vs. critical thinking. The latter being a defining characteristic of those who are independently successful.
An additional benefit of long formed focused learning is it is conducive to the blending of subject areas (History, English, Philosophy, Public Speaking, etc). Students are challenged to document their historical theories and formulate arguments in writing. Each write-up providers the opportunity to examine, discuss, and improve upon children's grammatical skills, logical progression, and rhetorical effectiveness. History becomes english, english becomes philosophy, philosophy becomes public speaking. Intrinsic motivation takes over as students are permitted the time to pursue their own interests and understand that it is their responsibility to grow as a person. Extrinsic motivation can be added in the submission of findings to historical journals, newspapers, and other third party mediums. Social media opportunities can be pursued creating the chance of monetization. Original history on Youtube. Creative writing, video production, video editing, and social media marketing all come in to play. Use your imagination as to what else can be done. Focused long form learning is superior to volume learning in every way and opens the door to infinite learning possibilities through multi-subject cohesion.
