According to a 2015 study published in Nature, only about 25–36% of psychological research has been successfully replicated—what’s now referred to as the “replication crisis.” In education, the picture is even more troubling: data suggests that just 1% of educational approaches are considered truly reputable. This calls into question many of the initiatives that have been promoted over the decades. What’s clear is that a large number of these methods, tested directly on children, can cause real harm to their development and learning. What’s also clear is this: learning starts with motivation and emotion.
In contrast to many educational models, Self-Determination Theory is one of the most well-documented and thoroughly replicated frameworks in psychology, especially when it comes to supporting healthy child development. At its core, the theory centers on three essential components:
- An Environment that supports Autonomy
- Connection to their community
- A Sense of Competency in self-driven learning
As educators, this challenges us to cultivate environments where intrinsic motivation is fostered. To help individuals truly thrive, we must create self-directed spaces that support growth and discovery.
“I never let schooling interfere with my learning” – novelist Grant Allen
How We Learn
Renowned psychologist Alison Gopnik puts it this way:
“So our job as parents is not to make a particular kind of child. Instead, our job is to provide a protected space of love, safety, and stability in which children of many unpredictable kinds can flourish. Our job is not to shape our children’s minds; it’s to let those minds explore all the possibilities that the world allows. Our job is not to tell children how to play; it’s to give them the toys and pick the toys up again after the kids are done. We can’t make children learn, but we can let them learn.”
Importantly, Gopnik, and a growing number of experts in child development, emphasize that this philosophy shouldn’t be limited to parenting. In today’s world, there’s an urgent call for schools to do the same.
This is precisely the vision behind the learning community at The Grove—an environment intentionally designed to honor these principles.
What Supports This
+ Freedom and time to make choices in ones learning
+ Collaborating with other autonomous community members; learning that fosters authentic teamwork and communication.
+ An environment with expert trained, loving adults (CCs) as a guide
What Hinders This
– Coercion in learning, motivated by praise and punishment
– Pushing content and ideas rather than allowing intrinsic motivation
– Rigid schedules of siloed learning, rather than an integrated experience that leads to flow-like states of mastery and discovery
What is the curriculum structure?
Our curriculum is designed to be flexible and adaptive, focusing on student interests and strengths. Children’s self-direction integrates many core subjects through play and personal pursuits driven by curiosity. That said, our Conscious Collaborators carefully design ‘Offerings’ which include project-based learning, formal classes, and socratic style dialogues and discussions. This allows students to explore topics deeply while developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills. This approach fosters a love for learning and encourages students to take ownership of their educational journey.
How do you assess student progress?
We utilize a variety of assessment methods, including formative assessments, self-reflections, and peer evaluations. This holistic approach allows us and students to understand their own growth and areas for improvement, ensuring personalized support and guidance throughout their learning experience.
What learning programs do you offer?
Through ‘Offerings’, we provide a range of learning programs tailored to different interests and learning styles, including STEM, arts, and humanities. Our programs emphasize hands-on experiences and collaborative projects, enabling students to engage deeply with the material and develop essential skills for the future.
How do you support diverse learning needs?
We are committed to personalized learning plans to support diverse learning needs. Our trained Conscious Collaborators work closely with each student to identify their unique strengths and challenges, ensuring that every learner receives the necessary resources and encouragement to thrive.
What role do parents play in the learning process?
Parents are integral to our community, actively participating in their child’s education through regular communication with Conscious Collaborators and, with adequate training, involvement in school activities. We encourage parents to collaborate with Conscious Collaborators, share insights about their child’s learning preferences, and contribute to a supportive learning environment.
How do you incorporate technology in learning?
We don’t shy away from appropriately using technology in the space. Instead, we critically explore how we can utilize technology to help us learn. We integrate technology into our curriculum to enhance learning experiences, using tools that promote creativity and collaboration. Students engage with various digital platforms for research, project creation, and communication, preparing them for a technology-driven world. We even provide deep discussions on the ethical use of technology and how it is continually shaping us while we shape it; giving community members the ability to discern healthy use of this powerful resource.