Willed Learning: There Are Gentler and More Peaceful Ways

Abstract

The authors share that they have no doubt that mainstream schooling wounds people deeply. From a holistic framework, people within mainstream schooling experience stresses to their mind, body, spirit, and emotions. Their souls are under siege as they are controlled, judged, manipulated, and oppressed. It is said of mainstream schooling that it creates opportunities, the authors say that it limits opportunities. People within mainstream schooling experience fear and anxiety, and fear and anxiety are not conducive to learning, rather they diminishes learning. In what follows, Brooke and Debbie will share their stories of how they found willed learning and what that has meant to them and their children. Their story is informed by Carlo Ricci's framework of willed learning.