Free Schools In The Film 'Approaching The Elephant'

After watching the documentary “Approaching The Elephant”, I was given awareness about the existence of free schools. Although they seem reckless and different, free schools definitely have benefits students could use in the real world. In free schools, the students learn things that they actually are interested in. They also develop individuality and confidence in themselves. At a young age, they learn that their voice and opinion matter.

Free schools enable students to operate their own learning process. They get to choose what classes they would like to take and skills they would like to learn. The students are not forced to learn a particular class. Free schools’ classes are chosen and made possible by the students. One example is the gymnastics class the

The perfect example is the process of making the rules. Everyone has the opportunity to create rules. All they have to do is fill out a rule proposal form and prove why they think that rule would make the school a better place. They also have meetings where everyone has a say to the decisions they are making. They are able to comment on things and contribute to decision-making. These steps that they are taking are very powerful. At a tender age, the children are being exposed to a world where they get to talk about what they think and how they feel. They are being taught to use their voice, because what they have to say deserves to be heard.

These are three of the many benefits free schools have. The students enjoy learning because what they learn are the things they are interested in. Individualism is also given a huge importance. Finally, the students are given a chance to explore the significance of their voice and that their thoughts matter. Free schools are unconventional but they sure have advantages that help the students become life-long