91. What Does Decolonizing Education Mean?

What does it actually mean to decolonize education? For many people, the phrase feels unfamiliar—or even uncomfortable. In this episode, we unpack where the idea comes from, why it matters, and how it changes the way we think about children, learning and the purpose of education itself. Rather than focusing only on history, we explore how colonized ways of thinking continue to shape our schools, our parenting, and even our ideas about success, intelligence and what it means to be a "good" learner. We also ask a bigger question: if we're trying to create something different, how do we avoid recreating the very systems we're hoping to leave behind? This conversation isn't about having all the answers. It's an invitation to look more deeply at the assumptions we've inherited—and to imagine new possibilities for learning, relationships and community. Some of the questions and ideas we explore include: What "decolonizing education" actually means How schooling has shaped the way we think about children and learning Why education is about much more than academic subjects Different ways of knowing beyond the intellect Why young people's voices are often missing from conversations about education Small ways families can begin questioning inherited ideas and creating something different 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