By “child-centered”, I mean that all learning originates purely from internal motivations. It is the intrinsic impetus towards adaptation, as a biological and social necessity. Human beings are highly adaptive creatures, evidenced by their capacity to adjust towards any environmental condition. Over millennia, we have evolved to be learning machines. Thus, it is virtually impossible for us not to learn.
Watching children unbounded in play provides ample evidence of this natural activity. Right now, Elijah (8) and Aksel (6) are setting up their new Pokemon board game. Intensive learning is fun, invigorating, riveting. Aksel demands to learn the game. If Elijah neglects Aksel’s involvement in setting it up properly and learning the game, Aksel is infuriated. He demands to know as much as Elijah. Elijah keeps reasserting his greater knowledge. He must negotiate with Aksel to both maintain control, and to let Aksel know enough to meaningfully participate. Otherwise, Aksel threatens to quit.
Watching children unbounded in play provides ample evidence of this natural activity. Right now, Elijah (8) and Aksel (6) are setting up their new Pokemon board game. Intensive learning is fun, invigorating, riveting. Aksel demands to learn the game. If Elijah neglects Aksel’s involvement in setting it up properly and learning the game, Aksel is infuriated. He demands to know as much as Elijah. Elijah keeps reasserting his greater knowledge. He must negotiate with Aksel to both maintain control, and to let Aksel know enough to meaningfully participate. Otherwise, Aksel threatens to quit.
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