What if students controlled their own learning? | Peter Hutton | TEDxMelbourne

This talk was given at a local TEDx event, produced independently of the TED Conferences. Peter is a school principal with a radical solution, no school bell, no school levels, staff selection and curriculum is even decided by students. Result? No bullying, collaboration, innovation in school dynamics.

Peter Hutton hated his own school experience, where he felt that education was being done “to him”. As Principal of Templestowe College he developed an educational model that allows students to individualize their education and share control in the running of the school.

About TEDx, x = independently organized event In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)

[Daniel-dpyc]

I like how everyone starts to clap after he says school is bad.

[lewisb]

I like this man. He speaks the truth. We need more people in control of education, like him.

[positivelybobbie]

This actually made me cry because I am watching these ted talks while desperately trying to complete english homework at midnight. I am going to get 6 hours of sleep for the fourth night in a row due to a subject i hate with a passion. At the age I am and the location I am in, I can only dream of an education like this. But I hope it will become a reality for the generations after me.

[breakingbubbly]

In America that is how teachers get fired, by teaching what they think is important and what will actually benefit the student. So that's fun...

[bradykeith]

this should replace the american k-12 public school system. Truly inspiring

[joshjgraham]

Speaking of a broken system, I'd like to hear people talk more about the economics of the whole thing, namely: school is supposed to prepare you for the job world, but even if American high schools, for example, reached their teaching goals, uniform learning still floods the market with the same kind of skills/knowledge thus devaluing the individual.

[BernieCarpenter]

He spoke yesterday at Inspire and Innovate 2016 in Sydney for about an hour and a half - fucking awesome stuff! He is barely scratching the surface in this video. He sounds angry, passionate, cynical, enlightened and completely fired up. Loved it!

[concertmasterntl]

I send my kid to exactly this kind of school! Homework-free, test-free, and every kid has a PLP and has increasing choice and input into their learning plan as they grow. It’s wonderful! My child is happy and stress-free now, and also feeling more creative and wanting to build and design things.

[futureschools]

For anyone interested, in addition to my work with Future Schools I have now taken on the role of Executive Director at Gisborne Montessori School in Victoria, Australia. Loving being able to make direct change in addition to consulting to schools and systems. Thank you to all those who have provided feedback and comments.
Peter Hutton

[twirlingorg]

My daughter goes to this school.  We love this school and the Principal is the most inspiring man :)
It is so lovely to have your child excited about learning.  Very different from my Private School education.

[OORI]

I wish I had the choice to only learn to do the things I love, and pave the path of a career in that field, rather than learning pointless things for a ridiculous test.

[beebeec]

After being one of Peter's students many years ago now I can personally confirm that his teaching methods are nothing short of fantastic. I learned more in my short time with him than what I did with any other teacher. It's not often that some one can make a huge impact on a kids life but he was certainly some one I will never forget.
He really knew how to connect with kids and gain their respect and made class a fun and exciting environment.
If you ever read this Peter I want you to know that I still to this day feel so saddened that you had to leave MGS and I always felt the board robbed it's students of a great learning experience. I am glad to see you doing so well and finally having the opportunity to give children the schooling experience I always missed after your departure.

[monabond]

Spread the word! Unfortunately for my youngest son, we live in Florida at the moment and these are some of THE most antiquated, rut-stuck schools that I have encountered.
His Kindergarten teacher complained about his behavior and I reminded her that he could read, write, add and subtract, and do some multiplication and she was teaching him the color blue and the letter the B, wondering why he was bored shitless and talking. She responded with, "I teach the curriculum."
Me: (after being told there is NO gifted class, and he can't skip a grade or four...) (mumbling and walking away, confused kid in tow, "Your curriculum sucks.")
(aloud) "Looks like we're on our own, little man!"

and that is how we have felt since. At least in the public school service department of our lives.

Hearing Peter this morning, gave me hope for future generations and their education! Everything he said just made sense. It wouldn't even be CALLED radical if we weren't so set in old fashioned, one size fits all, teaching practices.

Just imagine what people that have grown up learning in this free, open, and empowering style will accomplish....and how THEY will transform learning for THEIR kids.... I just got goosebumps.

[vikkijensen]

Peter… I’ve just cried my way through your talk…
I am a new grad teacher (mature age) with a background in business as well as facilitating volunteer programs that develop children’s social and emotional development.

Your talk was indeed inspiring … your ideas innovative and progressive.

You’re right… Why are we so scared of putting the student first? Why isn’t our education system centred on them?

Thankyou for your leadership.

[drcherub]

It's hard to believe that this was almost three years ago now. Unfortunately, too many students are still getting "on the bus" and not being allowed to take control (ownership) of their learning. There's light at the end of the tunnel, though - there are more and more educators driving incremental changes in traditional schools. Many have been inspired by what TC and the leadership team there have achieved. Kudos.

[johnkim]

In this time and age when there are so many cheap and free educational materials along w/ theories, it's amazing how structured learning is proposed so much. And such is the only measure looked upon to determine a person too often. But such emphasizes only conformity rather than learning and discourages learners from taking necessary risks. We need to unbundle school such that people can get individualized education putting together their education from many different sources, institutions, and experiences.

[isaacmathews]

Great video! Sadly, most teachers are NOT willing to give up the love of power, control, and ego of their positions!

[silverbeatsgold]

This is so great! My 12 yr old hates school. I'm trying to home school now because he wasn't learning in school. He would thrive in this environment!

[gracelee]

I have attended his school for the past two and a half years, and I can tell you first hand it is amazing. 10/10 would recommend.

[emilythompson]

I hate my school so much. I want to join this school to much. If i went here id be living a dream. Geez. To think something like this exists is so amazing. This should be everywhere