The Teacher as an Experienced Guide
In this type of environment, the teacher serves more as an experienced guide rather than a ruler. To many this idea of student directed education may seem foreign and impossible. The question that almost inevitable comes up is, “If we allow students to decide how or what they will pursue in learning, how can we ensure that they will learn the basic skills needed to function along side those students who have gone through ‘traditional’ education.” I am familiar with this particular line of thought because I once subscribed to it. Honestly, I think it is wonderful that students have the ability to explore what interest them. However, I could not see how it would be possible to do both.