Research

The science behind independent meaningful learning

Curious—or even a little skeptical—about this approach to learning? We get it. That’s why we’ve gathered studies that show why these approaches work, along with potential challenges to consider. Dive into the evidence and check out the linked resources for a deeper look. 

Note: Many studies use alternative phrases for independent meaningful learning like “unschooling,” “self-directed education,” and “self-directed learning,” but these all refer to the same philosophy for learning.

Commissioned by Mosaic

Over 19 million families nationwide want alternatives to traditional schooling, but many don’t know where to start. To see if we could bridge that gap, we partnered with Hemispheres Insights on a 2021 survey to find out what modern families want from education. We found that families value social and life skills, opportunities for further education, and finding fulfillment through alternative learning experiences like self-directed education.

Additional noteworthy research

Efficacy of Unschooling and Young Person-Centered Learning

Grown Unschoolers’ Evaluations

A 2015 survey by Gray and Riley assessing the long-term outcomes of 75 unschooled adults found positive evaluations of their unschooling experiences, suggesting that unschooling can lead to successful adult outcomes.

The experience of adults who were “unschooled” during their youth

A phenomenological approach (Gaudreau & Brabant 2021)

Democratic Schooling Outcomes

Gray and Chanoff (2014) explored the outcomes of democratic schooling, where young people direct their own education, showing that such models can lead to well-adjusted, self-motivated learners.

Framing Unschooling Using Theories of Motivation

This research uses motivational theories to frame unschooling, highlighting how self-directed learning aligns with intrinsic motivation principles. It argues that autonomy is central to fostering a love for learning. (Sherman 2017)

Evidence for Student Centered Learning

This article presents evidence supporting student-centered learning approaches, demonstrating their effectiveness in promoting engagement, autonomy, and individualized learning pathways. (Kaput 2018)

The Value of Autonomy for the Good Life

Steckermeier explores the importance of autonomy for a fulfilling life, suggesting that unschooling’s focus on autonomy contributes to overall well-being. (Steckermeier 2020)

Self-Determination as a Psychological and Positive Youth Development Construct

Examines self-determination as a key factor in fostering positive youth development. It highlights how autonomy and self-directed learning enhance motivation and personal growth, reinforcing the benefits of learner-led education models. The study suggests that self-determination plays a crucial role in psychological well-being and overall development during adolescence. (Hui & Tsang 2012)

Theories of Motivation

Sherman framed unschooling using various motivational theories, underscoring how autonomy and self-directed learning align with intrinsic motivation principles. (2017)

Autonomy and Psychological Development

The Value of Autonomy for the Good Life

Steckermeier explores the importance of autonomy for a fulfilling life, suggesting that unschooling’s focus on autonomy contributes to overall well-being. (Steckermeier 2020)

Self-Determination as a Psychological and Positive Youth Development Construct

Examines self-determination as a key factor in fostering positive youth development. It highlights how autonomy and self-directed learning enhance motivation and personal growth, reinforcing the benefits of learner-led education models. The study suggests that self-determination plays a crucial role in psychological well-being and overall development during adolescence. (Hui & Tsang 2012)

Practice-Oriented Research

Pathways to Self-Directed Learning

Explored how learners can become self-directed, providing practical insights for educators aiming to foster independence in their students. Collier (2023)

Each Child a Genius: A Survey of Self-Directed Learning

This article highlights how self-directed learning promotes independence, creativity, and problem-solving in children. It shows that individualized learning allows each child to excel in their areas of interest, unlocking their unique potential. The study also provides practical insights for fostering these traits in various educational settings.(Collier 2023)

Child-Led Learning and Play

Gonczy (2013) highlighted the importance of play and child-led learning, particularly in early education settings, emphasizing how these approaches support school readiness and cognitive development.

Unlocking the Secrets of Self-Directed Learning

Insights from The Forest School This article provides insights into self-directed learning through the experiences of The Forest School, emphasizing nature-based education and autonomy. (Collier 2023)

The Importance of Play and Child-Led Learning

Highlights the role of play in preschool, demonstrating how child-led activities support school readiness and cognitive development. (Gonczy 2013)

Is More Child-Initiated Always Better? Exploring relations between child-initiated instruction and preschoolers school readiness

Explores the balance between child-initiated learning and structured instruction, discussing its impact on school readiness. (Vaisarova & Reynolds 2022)

Learning, Leading, and Letting Go of Control: Learner-Led Approaches in Education

Investigates learner-led approaches in education, focusing on how educators can facilitate self-directed learning while balancing control. (Iversen et al 2015)

Connecting with Family and Community

Family Connection and Adolescent Flourishing

Whitaker et al. (2022) studied the impact of family connections on adolescent well-being across 26 countries, illustrating the importance of family-centered approaches in unschooling.

Promoting Family Centered Teaching

Emphasizes the role of family in education, advocating for collaborative teaching approaches that involve families to enhance student success, especially in learner-led models like unschooling.(Bingham & Abernathy 2007)

Creativity and Motivation

Promoting Interest in Education

Harackiewicz et al. (2016) conducted a comprehensive review on the significance of interest in education, suggesting that unschooling’s emphasis on learner-driven interests can boost engagement and motivation.

IDC Theory: Interest and the Interest Loop

This article reviews studies on the IDC theory, which emphasizes how fostering interest through iterative loops can sustain long-term learning engagement. (Wong et al, 2020)

Why Teach with an Interdisciplinary Approach

This article, citing multiple studies, argues that interdisciplinary teaching enhances critical thinking, creativity, and deeper understanding across subjects.

A Radical Way of Unleashing a Generation of Geniuses

Davis explores innovative educational methods that encourage creativity and problem-solving, based on numerous studies. (2020)

Core Subject Learning

Learning to Read in Unschooling Contexts

Examines how unschoolers learn to read, offering insights into the varied and often self-initiated pathways to literacy within this educational model Riley (2018) .