Comments on: Efficiency as a basic educational principle

By: Wikipedia co-founder on Efficiency in Education | Wasting Time in School

Wikipedia co-founder on Efficiency in Education | Wasting Time in School — Sat, 22 Sep 2012 18:10:40 +0000

[...] Sanger has some good thoughts here, among which is this: 10. The project method is [...]

By: Larry Sanger Blog » Update about the boys, part 1 – June 2012

Larry Sanger Blog » Update about the boys, part 1 – June 2012 — Wed, 06 Jun 2012 02:37:51 +0000

[...] There’s simply no point in that sort of busywork; spaced repetition is extremely high-grade, efficient learning. This way we can focus our writing and workbook work on more meaningful and gainful [...]

By: mollydot

mollydot — Fri, 01 Jun 2012 23:30:53 +0000

Do you not think that building models, etc, can develop skills other than learning facts? I would have thought an advantage of homeschooling would be alternative ways of approaching subjects. Though maybe America has more of that in school than I had. Our primary school projects were, on the whole, written and drawn.
I agree with what you say about reading lots instead of studying vocabulary, spelling, etc, separately, but the writing part is an argument against homeschooling. You write well, but I’ve seen many messages online from people who are homeschooling, but whose own writing is full of mistakes. Perhaps they have fewer when they’re paying more attention, but if not, the kids are missing out.
And careful with your lists of dates! Jesus born on 25 December? Really?
An interesting post all the same. I’m glad I read it.

By: Larry Sanger Blog » Memory method

Larry Sanger Blog » Memory method — Fri, 16 Mar 2012 02:52:37 +0000

[...] As homeschoolers, we don’t have to do exams, so I am free to explore other, more efficient ways to solve the [...]

By: Raising Ethan

Raising Ethan — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 06:16:13 +0000

Larry, Efficiency of useful timing on homeschooling is relevant. Especially using the Charlotte Mason method of teaching 15 min. p/ subject.

Don’t you agree that reading and an applied activity related to the subject provide a lasting memory for the child? For instance, a book can be read and forgotten, but a book which was read, completed an entertaining activity alongside of it be remembered? Isn’t that what the popular KONOS curriculum is all about? “It’s about hands-on activities capturing children’s attention and increasing their retention. It’s about teaching a child, not a curriculum. It’s about fun and laughter and shaping memories. It’s about creating a love of learning that lasts a lifetime.”

As you know, I use an eclectic approach in homeschooling. Isn’t that the ultimate goal of homeschooling, providing such experiences?

By: Avner

Avner — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 22:42:56 +0000

Thanks!

By: Larry Sanger

Larry Sanger — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 01:34:41 +0000

You’re welcome and thanks for the feedback!

By: Larry Sanger

Larry Sanger — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 01:34:20 +0000

I really hadn’t thought about it that way, but what you say makes perfect sense.

By: Cris

Cris — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 01:32:08 +0000

Larry, regarding your point on projects as an inefficient use of time, THANK YOU!! I homeschool a 3rd grader, and the homeschoolers around us seem to really enjoy model making, paper crafts, and science projects that take hours upon hours. My son and I prefer to follow your methods, and read books.

I think there can be much efficiency in an education without it being prepackaged and cookie cutter in style. We aim to learn all the time, but gain maximum knowledge while still having time for other things in life.

And if I may… I just discovered “A Little History of the World” written by Mr. Gombrich’s grandfather. It’s amazing, and I’ve just ordered a copy of our own. Glad to see this wonderful book is making the rounds.

Thanks for a thought provoking article!!

By: Larry Sanger

Larry Sanger — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 20:16:22 +0000

I did a little searching for you: http://www.multcolib.org/events/classics/suggested.html