2. Can Children Really Direct Their Own Learning?

Can children really direct their own learning? If nobody is telling them what to study, how do they learn the skills they'll need for life? This question sits at the heart of self-directed education—a growing movement built on the belief that human beings are naturally curious, capable and motivated to learn when they're trusted and supported. In this episode, we explore what self-directed education actually means, how it differs from conventional schooling, and why approaches like unschooling, Agile Learning Centers and democratic schools all belong under the same broad umbrella. We also discuss intrinsic motivation, curiosity, play, trust and why learning looks different for every child. Whether you're homeschooling, home educating, unschooling or simply wondering if there's another way to support your child's education, this conversation offers an accessible introduction to one of the most exciting shifts happening in education today. Some of the questions and ideas we explore include: Can children really direct their own learning? What is self-directed education? How do children learn without school? What's the difference between self-directed education and unschooling? Why is curiosity so important for learning? How can parents support learning without controlling it? Looking for support as you navigate learning outside school? Explore free masterclasses, resources, and a community of parents asking similar questions → Join UN-SKOOL Wondering what keeps shaping your reactions when parenting gets hard? → Discover Your Parenting Archetype Have a parenting, homeschooling, or unschooling question? Send it to us and we may answer it in an upcoming newsletter: → Dear Sari & Becka → Follow us on Instagram and come hang out with us between episodes. → Check out our website and explore more of our work, resources, and support. Radical Learning Talks was named the #2 Democratic Education Podcast to Listen to in 2026 by FeedSpot. See the full list