Self-Education: The Process of Life-Long Learning

The authors worked together for three years developing Walkabout-Challenge-SelfEducation concepts and practices. In this article they describe the growing acknowledgment world-wide that educational services must train people and provide support systems for life-long self-directed education. To manage the difficult transition from authority-directed to self-directed learning, they developed a four stage program: influential parenthood; initiative training for elementary school students; challenge education for secondary students; and self-education training and support services for adults. All are now in various stages of implementation. Drawing on the literature and their experience, they outline ten basic elements of programs designed to teach self-education, including visualization, learning-style, personal curriculum planning, risk experiences, and self-culture.