Space to Learn

The theme of next Monday's walk-and-talk is the effect of having space to learn. It's part of August's larger theme of the importance of space.

I'm back home from England, and leaving tomorrow for almost 2 weeks in the U.S.. I'm going to a camp in New Hampshire, just past Lake Winnipesaukee.

Lake Winnipesaukee is the beloved setting of What About Bob. Do you remember that scene on the dock when Siggie's father is demanding that he learn to dive? Siggie has frozen up, and it looks like it might take him a semester or two, and even a couple of sequels, to learn to dive.

In a later scene, the father is gone and Bob shows up (good ol' Bill Murray). Suddenly Siggie switches from being a downcast incompetent to being a motivated teacher of diving. Given the sapce, and a personal motivation, the task is quite natural, and quickly accomplished.

Sudbury-model students have the space to discover their interests and motivations. In this spacious environment, Siggie's quick learning is a normal event.

As I won't be at next Monday's walk-and-talk, if you'd like to discuss this topic with me, please leave a comment below.