Self-Directed vs. Tutors?

A vital part of the self-directed approach (SDE) to education the world over is the commitment to fostering a natural, self-guided learning process that allows children to explore their interests and passions at their own pace, free from external pressures and prescribed curricula. 

Whilst private tutors are used in many SDE environments from time to time, and sometimes at home for some specialist classes where children prefer to do there, the focus on English and Maths, reflects more the parents concern that if they don’t do this, ‘how will they ever learn?’ or just a worry that ‘my child might get behind’. We know from research and experience that the best way to learn to read and write is naturally, intrinsically, and not forced. Children, in an environment like ours learn to read and write at different ages, sometimes when they’re 5 sometimes when they are 12. The most important thing is that children gain a love for reading and writing and the best way to do that is to let them discover it, not to be forced to do it. 

Here are some reasons why tutoring may not be beneficial for your children when they attend a self directed/democratic learning centre or school:

Undermines Trust in Intrinsic Motivation 

Self-directed education believes in nurturing a child’s intrinsic motivation to learn. Providing private tutoring at home can send the message that external intervention is necessary for a child’s academic progress, potentially eroding their self-confidence and belief in their own abilities. And it can model that there is a “right way to learn things”, which can cause children to doubt themselves if they approach things in a different way. 

Imposes External Structure 

SDE prioritizes freedom and autonomy in learning. Private tutoring can impose a structured, adult-led approach to education, which can kill a child’s natural curiosity and desire to learn about the world independently. 

Contradicts the Core Self-directed Principle 

Most SDE schools operate on the core principle that students are trusted to make decisions about their own learning. Private tutoring can undermine this principle by introducing an authority figure who dictates what and how a child should learn. This is the opposite to an SDE environment.

Risk of Burnout 

The combination of Self-directed education and private tutoring can potentially overwhelm a child, leading to burnout or disengagement from the learning process. SDE schools advocate for a balanced, holistic approach to education that respects a child’s well-being. 

Limiting Diverse Interest 

Democratic communities encourage children to explore a potentially infinite number of interests beyond just Mathematics and English. Private tutoring, which typically focuses on these types of specific subjects, can restrict a child’s exposure to diverse learning opportunities, and hence teaches children that these are not as valued. 

Financial Pressure 

Having private tutoring can be a big financial commitment for families. Children learn to read and write and do Maths as well as an infinite number of things in SDE environments. Adding to the expense can be hard for some families. 

The Self directed/Democratic philosophy of education places great emphasis on trust, autonomy, and self-direction, believing that children have an inherent ability to learn when provided with a supportive environment. Private tutoring may have its merits in certain contexts but can potentially contradict these principles and disrupt the natural flow of learning that we aim to foster. It is really important to carefully consider the alignment of educational choices with the underlying philosophy and values of the approach so as not to confuse your child. They won’t get the benefit of complete trust.