213: Self-Directed Learning (Why You Can Quit HS & Be Okay)

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SHOW NOTES

This is the second of two episodes on homeschooling and self-directed learning. My guest is writer, speaker, and fellow podcaster Blake Boles, whose work invites students and families to re-evaluate the traditional schooling model--are the typical high school and college experiences really the best ways to spend your time? On this episode we discuss: 

  • Can you (really) quit high school and not totally ruin your life?

  • Why is this the best time ever for self-directed learning?

  • How can we all be more self directed learners? 

  • Why you should: Google everything, Email strangers, and Find your nerd clan

  • The benefits of skipping college (or at least taking a gap year)

  • How to know if you’re making a decision for you (and not your parents)?

Again, a warning: Listen too closely to this episode and it could mean that this is the very last College Essay Guy podcast episode you listen to… and that could be a very cool thing. 

PLAY-bY-PLAY

[1:40] Who is Blake Boles?
[4:00] What is self-directed learning? (and a little backstory)|
[6:52] The Twelve Action Themes for Gatto's Guerrilla Curriculum 
[11:10] Can you quit high school and things will turn out OK?
[13:52] Why is this the best time ever for self-directed learning?
[16:47] Who can benefit from self-directed learning?
[18:38] How everyone can use Self-Directed Learning
[19:50] How can we all be more self directed learners?
[21:11] Consensual versus non-consensual learning examples
[23:30] What are some ways to inspire ourselves/others to be self-directed learners?
[27:10] Why should students Google everything?
[31:40] Why should students email strangers?
[33:00] What are nerd clans?
[34:30] Is it possible to build a successful life without a degree?
[37:17] What are some benefits of skipping college (or a gap year)?
[41:10] How do you know if you’re making a decision for you (and not your parents)?
[45:00] Resources from Blake
[51:10] What Blake is most excited about

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