Minimally Invasive Education

Sugata Mitra on how kids teach themselves.



"A child is curious by nature; he or she has a natural instinct to make sense of the world around him. The need to explore on their own is a strong motivating aspect that provides the necessary impetus to go ahead with learning."

Jerry Mintz and Nellie Dick

Jerry Mintz has been described as an alternative education expert and Nellie Dick as a pioneer in the alternative education movement. Here's two short videos uploaded by Education Revolution - to watch them, click on the titles:

Jerry Mintz Interview
Nellie Dick and the Modern School

Lao-Tzu on Education

The ancient Masters
didn't try to educate the people,
but kindly taught them to not-know.

When they think that they know the answers,
people are difficult to guide.

When they know that they don't know,
people can find their own way.

Lao-Tzu on Knowledge

In pursuit of knowledge,
every day something is added.
In the practice of the Tao,
every day something is dropped.

Less and less do you need to force things,
until finally you arrive at non-action.
When nothing is done,
nothing is left undone.

True mastery can be gained
by letting things go their own way.
It can't be gained by interfering.

Lao-Tzu on Not Knowing

Not-knowing is true knowledge.
Presuming to know is a disease.
First realize that you are sick;
then you can move toward health.

The Master is her own physician.
She has healed herself of all knowing.
Thus she is truly whole.

John Taylor Gatto Interview

Click here to watch it.

Sometime go outside and sit

Tsoknyi Rinpoche
[Guildhall, Bath - 30/04/08]

Sometime go outside and sit,
In the evening at sunset,
When there’s a slight breeze that touches your body,
And makes the leaves and the trees move gently.

You’re not trying to do anything, really.
You’re simply allowing yourself to be,
Very open from deep within,
Without holding onto anything whatsoever.

Don’t bring something back from the past, from a memory.
Don’t plan that something should happen.
Don’t hold onto anything in the present.
Nothing you perceive needs to be nailed down.

Simply let experience take place, very freely,
So that your empty, open heart
Is suffused with the tenderness of true compassion.

from Carefree Dignity