Instead of Education, Ways to Help People Do Things Better, John Holt

John Holt's emphasis on solutions distinguishes this book from others that are critical of our failing educational system. This book is packed with ideas about, as well as examples of, creating learning opportunities and environments outside the established educational structure. Holt's ideas are as fresh and relevant as they ever were - in fact more so now, as our educational system has only grown worse in the years since this book was written. Holt firmly believes in learning by doing, and makes the point that schools stifle children's creativity and individuality. He describes actual non-compulsory schools, learning centres, and informal learning arrangements in action. Reading this educators brilliant book revolutionises our thinking about what schooling is for and what we can do to accomplish its true goals.