How Can We Change Things? Insights from Steve Hargadon
If you'd prefer to listen rather than read, tune into The Parents' Solution podcast, which features an enlightening conversation with Steve Hargadon.
This week on The Parents' Solution, I had the pleasure of speaking with Steve Hargadon, an insightful thinker and advocate for innovative educational practices. As the founder and CEO of the Learning Revolution Project and host of the Future of Education interview series, Steve sheds light on the evolving landscape of education, including affordable K-12 tutoring options and effective at-home schooling solutions.
During our discussion, we explored the challenging question: "Why is change so difficult?" This question is particularly relevant when considering foundational institutions like public schools. Steve highlighted three significant barriers to embracing change:
Cognitive Dissonance: People often struggle to comprehend ideas that are several levels above their current understanding. Many seek quick fixes for immediate issues rather than solutions that could foster long-term educational success, such as online tutoring services or the best online homeschool programs.
Tendency to Follow: Most individuals prefer to follow established paths rather than lead the charge for change. This mindset is particularly evident in the realm of education, where traditional methods often dominate the conversation.
Evolutionary Success Over Truth: Humans have evolved for success in terms of social structures rather than the pursuit of absolute truth. Consequently, many buy into the narrative perpetuated by the public school system—that it effectively prepares students for graduation—despite the fact that very few students emerge as confident, competent adults.
Steve adeptly poses profound questions that encourage critical thinking about the current education system and its alternatives, including homeschooling programs and affordable online homeschool programs. His research reveals that the mainstream education system often fails to meet the diverse needs of students.
He emphasizes that there isn't a one-size-fits-all solution to the challenges faced by public schools. Instead, we must be open to experimenting with various educational approaches that cater to the unique needs of each student. For instance, exploring expert tutoring for elementary students or enrolling in online tutoring for high school students can provide personalized academic support.
Ultimately, our goal is the same: we all want our children to thrive. Whether through K-12 tutoring, online tutoring for middle school students, or engaging in homeschool coaching services, parents are seeking the best online tutoring services available. By prioritizing individual learning styles and needs through options like online homeschool classes and tutoring programs, we can empower our children to achieve their full potential in a supportive environment.
Let’s continue the conversation about how we can transform education for the better, ensuring our students receive the quality academic support they deserve.