Alternative Education

What is Alternative Education?

Alternative education, quite simply, means any

form of education that takes place

outside the traditional schooling system.
Participation is the key, Not perfection.

Traditonal
Schooling
Mainstream forms of
schooling primary
school,
secondary
school,
college,
university.
Usually characterized
by
standardized
curricula
and
examinations
Emphasis is on getting
recognized
and
acceptable grades and
scores

Alternative
Educaiton
Pursues
other
methods of learning,
putting a higher focus
on
experiential
learning,
creativity,
and individuality.

Types of Alternative Education

Alternative school systems, such as Steiner schools.
(They have their own system).
http://www.steinerwaldorf.org/

Home-based learning, which covers homeschooling.

Workshops, alternative educational programs, and
lifelong learning classes. Ex. Esalen.
www.esalen.org

 Study abroad & cultural exchanges popular

ones include AFS
http://www.afs.org/

Volunteering in various causes and projects,

short-term or long-term
Online-based
University.

learning

http://www.open.ac.uk/

such

as

the

Open

Various criticisms of traditional mainstream

education include:
It doesnt allow for creativity or more out-ofthe-box approaches
Rote memorization is given emphasis over
creativity and critical thinking.
More emphasis is given on letter grades than on
actual learning
It does not account for varying learning styles
(especially experiential learning)

 The students welfares and personalities are not

taken into consideration.
The subjects taught in school are not to the
students interest; what the students are
interested in cant be explored in traditional
schools

Through alternative education, students

will be able to:
Express their creativity
Explore and learn about themselves and the
world
Meet different types of people of all interests and
personalities
Gain real-world experience of many issues

 Gain independence and individuality

Learn through styles that best suit them
Learn different skills and subjects that may not
be offered by mainstream schooling
Gain a more holistic and well-rounded education