"Self-Paced" Education?
by Patch Blakey

Many modern educators, whether homeschool, private or government, have pursued a methodology of pedagogy that allows students to learn at their own pace. To be sure, there is a sliver of non-egalitarianism in this method, since it recognizes that every child is indeed different. But is this sliver enough to keep the program afloat?

Several years ago, I attended a homeschool convention in which the guest speaker presented the amazing example of a man who had apparently received no formal education as a young boy. He had not been taught to read, write or cipher. Many years later, he developed a specific interest in a certain subject, let's say aviation. The young man desired to learn how to read so that he could read books on aviation. This of course led him to learn how to write so he could pen his thoughts on his favorite subject. And, naturally, he wanted to learn math so that he could better understand how aircraft are designed and the physics of aerodynamics. As the story progressed, this man subsequently discovered the joys of learning, and being fortunately placed in a home with an abundant library, he began to read, study, and learn, until he became extremely well-educated in a vast array of varied subjects.

The point of this fascinating account was to highlight that because children are born differently, they should not be forced to learn before they are able, ready, and willing. When a child starts to develop an interest in a subject, parents should nurture that interest, and use it as a spring board into the joys of learning.

This is only one example of the testimonials that have been fostering the growth of the self-paced method. To be sure, there is a semblance of truth in these motivational narratives. And, no doubt, in the providence of God there are gifted children who may teach themselves to read from milk cartons. But have the Christians who have embraced this methodology evaluated it in light of Scripture? Is it consistent with what God teaches His people according to His word?

Some may argue that of course they have considered the Scriptures. Genesis 33:13 says, "But Jacob said to him, 'My lord knows that the children are weak, and the flocks and herds which are nursing are with me. And if the men should drive them hard one day, all the flock will die.'" Certainly this verse argues for the young and weak to travel at their own pace, including the children. This obviously has broader ramifications that can be applied even in education. My response is both yes and no.

Yes, children are not as strong nor as developed as adults, whether physically, mentally, emotionally, socially, or spiritually. But this verse does not teach that the children were self-paced. It clearly teaches that they were led or driven, but at a pace that was commensurate with their abilities. They were still made to go forward with the rest of Jacob's party. They were not left to their own and varied devices.

Proverbs is full of wisdom to parents on child-rearing. One verse states, "Even a child is known by his deeds, Whether what he does is pure and right" (Prov 20:11). How does a child know what is pure and right? They are not born with an innate knowledge of truth and a desire to do it. To the contrary, David says, "Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, And in sin my mother conceived me" (Psa 51:5). David was born a sinner just as the rest of the fallen race of Adam, including your own children.

Without diligent training in righteousness, there will be no righteous conduct from our children. "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it" (Prov 22:6). So when do we start this training process? The older our children get before we start to train or instruct them, the more difficult it will be to set them on the right path. The older they grow in their self-paced and self-centered world, Proverbs assures us that they will become less and less likely to depart from this way.

How does the Bible describe the self-paced nature of children? "Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child" (Prov 22:15a). The sinful, little hearts of our children are set only to do evil. They are foolish and ignorant and need loving discipline to help establish them in the path of righteousness. And, indeed, this is what Scripture teaches concerning the foolishness inherent in children, "The rod of correction will drive it far from him" (Prov 22:15b). A loving parent will not abdicate the responsibility to start educating their children early, and consistently: "He who spares his rod hates his son, But he who loves him disciplines him promptly" (Prov 13:24).

Of course, as the child grows older and begins to evidence signs of self-control and loving obedience, the rod should be required less, and verbal reproof will carry more weight. "The rod and rebuke give wisdom" (Prov 29:15a). We as parents have the responsibility to teach our children all the mighty works of God, "Only take heed to yourself, and diligently keep yourself, lest you forget the things your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life. And teach them to your children and your grandchildren" (Deu 4:9). If we would not be remiss to teach our children godly conduct, why should we be any the less diligent to teach them all the mighty works of God in His great creation? And God's works are vast. "Many, O LORD my God, are Your wonderful works which You have done; and Your thoughts toward us cannot be recounted to You in order; if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered" (Psa 40:5).

Self-paced education is sophistry at best. At worst, it is a shame not only to our children, but to us as parents as well, just as Scripture teaches, "A child left to himself brings shame to his mother" (Prov 29:15).

Patch Blakey is the Executive Director of the Association of Classical and Christian Schools.  For more information on ACCS, go to their site at http://www.accsedu.org/  Logos Christian Academy has been a member of ACCS since its founding in 1999.