Learning Through Discovery

Online schools of the future must prioritize discovery through creating and collaborating

To build the online education institutions of the future, we must create learning environments that give the space for discovery.

I listened to an interview of Seth Godin, author, teacher, and Founder of altMBA (my summary of the talk here). Seth stressed the importance of a learning environment that enables people to make a discovery on their own. He says, "don't steal the revelation."

Rather than memorizing content and cramming for exams, real learning takes place when people find answers to complex questions without being given the answer. When people uncover a truth themselves by wrestling with difficult questions, they are far more likely to remember the concepts forever.

There are two powerful ways to enable discovery in an online learning environment: learning through creating (project-based learning) and peer to peer collaboration.

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Learning through Creating

Project-based learning focuses on open-ended discovery. For example, rather than testing that a student can recite business strategy concepts, they can create a strategic analysis of a company as if they are a consultant in the real world.

Rather than memorizing Porter's Five Forces for a test, they can answer open-ended questions and discover for themselves how business strategy works in the real world.

However, creating is just the first step of the discovery process. Getting pushed by others is just as important.

Peer to Peer Collaboration

Peer to peer collaboration allows for discovery by receiving feedback, being challenged on assumptions, and getting pushed to consider alternatives.

But, working with others pushes us towards discovery only if people feel comfortable making mistakes, feeling vulnerable, and trusting others in the cohort. In the online-world, it’s critical to facilitate a collaborative and trust-based learning environment that pushes people towards learning revelations they will not forget.

Seth Godin is a legendary teacher and applying his idea of learning through discovery should be considered for everyone building the future of online education institutions.