Let them learn
I am writing in response to the article you published May 11, 2020, titled COVID-19: The kids aren’t alright, says new pandemic poll, which is a response to the Angus Reid Institute poll titled, Kids & COVID-19: Canadian children are done with school from home, fear falling behind, and miss their friends.
We have seen many politicians and citizens advocate for prioritizing the well-being of individuals and communities as we respond (not react) to the unprecedented challenges we currently face. We have witnessed the power of the collective will to have a significant impact on creating change and maintaining hope which is why I am disappointed in your decision to highlight an article that perpetuates fear and spreads inaccurate information. If we are going to solve the problems that plague our world today, we need to think and act differently.
Sociologist Pierre Bourdieu claims, “there is nothing more inadequate for representing the state of opinion than a percentage”. Polling can be a useful tool in some scenarios, but why would we rely on a poll to convey critical information about the well-being of our children? Polls are infamous for producing opinion not capturing opinion. According to Statistics Canada, there are over 4.8 million students in public schools. The pollsters surveyed 685 (.014%) students between 10 and 17 years old, of which only 14% represent a visible minority, and then make the claim that Canadian children are done with school from home. Parents were encouraged to assist their children, if need be, as they completed the poll, so why weren’t younger children surveyed? Does this survey represent the average Canadian student? I think not. Could it be that younger children are enjoying the freedom of learning at home? Were they intentionally ignored to skew the results? Why? I have many other concerns about the methodology and results of this poll; however, I am going to focus on what we can do now to make the most of the potential for change in education that will meet the needs of all learners and promote hope and the flourishing of all citizens.
A new paradigm.
I am currently teaching education students; I am a mother and grandmother; and like many, I am deeply concerned about the well-being of children everywhere. For the last 8 weeks, I have been collaborating with other volunteers (researchers, alternative school founders, educators, and activists) who are committed to making a contribution to a shift in what counts as education and learning. Although we share similar values (for example: creativity, democracy, community, critical thinking, compassion, freedom, collaboration, and justice) we sometimes differ in our opinions on the need for public schooling, but we all agree that learners need to be able to exercise their basic human right to choice and voice.
The Agnus Reid poll asked questions that created a false dichotomy when they asked students about learning at home versus learning at public school—those are not the only two options. Unfortunately, many people, even educators, and policymakers at all levels aren’t fully aware of the diverse array of schools and options. This is where the media could have a significant impact as they profile some of the alternatives and pose meaningful questions for students, parents, educators, and policymakers to consider. Most students have not heard of deschooling or unschooling, living schools, democratic schools, nature and/or play-based schools, or self-directed learning and yet there are many examples of successful programs and initiatives from all over the world. But hey, don’t take my word for it. I might be biased or privileged. Do your due diligence; take charge of your own learning and help to create an environment where learners can do the same.
If we are truly concerned about “how kids are doing” and I believe most of us are, we could engage in meaningful dialogue, ask open-ended questions, and listen carefully to the responses. We can collaborate (ask me how) and create communities of inquiry for authentic learning for the flourishing of humanity. It’s time to trust learners and let them learn.
Elizabeth Campbell, PhD
