Free Learning

A Student-Directed Pedagogy in Asia and Beyond

Ross Parker, David Coniam, Peter Falvey, Ross Parker, David Coniam, Peter Falvey

• Publisher: Routledge
• Year: 2021
• Print ISBN:
  9780367714024
• eBook ISBN:
  9781000483697
• Topic: Education
• Subtopic: Comparative Education

This edited volume explores, investigates and analyses Free Learning – an innovative approach to student-directed learning which seeks to challenge educational norms from within. The volume is framed by a recognition of the urgent need for transformation of our educational systems.

In traditional education, students work through a teacher-directed linear syllabus, at a pace dictated by the teacher, with summative assessment hurdles at too-frequent intervals. Progression and direction are determined solely by the teacher. In Free Learning, students determine their own learning pathway through a non-linear syllabus, which can be visualised as a mind map. Students may then complete as many units as they either have time for or are interested in, moving from one unit to another on the basis of having formatively satisfied the demands of each individual unit.

This volume showcases the value and potential of Free Learning in contemporary practice and is intended to bridge theory and practice. The structure of the book reflects this complementary fit, with contributions from practitioners describing Free Learning as a learning and teaching tool in a range of educational settings, subjects and age-ranges. It also contains qualitative and quantitative analyses by researchers exploring the uptake of Free Learning and students' responses to the methodology.

Researchers and educators who are interested in student-directed methodologies, especially in Asia, will find that the practical accounts and analyses of Free Learning contained within provide much food for thought with regard to redefining student learning.

Table of contents

• Cover
• Half Title
• Series Page
• Title Page
• Copyright Page
• Contents
• Figures
• Tables
• Contributors
• Section I Introduction
• 1 Opening up
• 2 Introduction and background to Free Learning
• Section II Literature background: Theoretical, practical and educational perspectives
• 3 Grounding the Free Learning model
• 4 Grounding the Free Learning model
• 5 Curriculum innovation and Free Learning at International College Hong Kong
• 6 Building relationships, living the curriculum
• 7 Assessment in Free Learning
• Section III How Free Learning works: Examples of Free Learning in practice
• 8 Implementing Free Learning
• 9 A Free Learning approach to STEM delivery
• 10 The adoption of Free Learning in a pre-service teacher education programme
• 11 Deconstructing the curriculum
• 12 Comparing and evaluating professional development workshops conducted via Free Learning and face-to-face modes
• Section IV Evaluation of Free Learning
• 13 The evaluation of Free Learning at International College Hong Kong
• 14 Free Learning
• 15 A quantitative exploration of student attitudes to Free Learning and of grades achieved
• 16 A qualitative inquiry into student attitudes towards Free Learning
• 17 The mastery transcript
• Section V Conclusion: Where to from here?
• 18 Conclusion and looking forward
• Image credits
• Index