Educating Oneself and Each Other

I have the pleasure of working with two young women who use a BC curriculum delivery system called Self Design. We could call them Rosa and Juliet... but we won't because their names are Kiera and Tara. They have chosen for themselves concentrated aspects of the Renaissance on which to do in-depth research projects. Kiera will immerse herself in art of the period, though the artists and their media have yet to be determined. But just imagine, dear readers, how glorious first exposure to any of those painters, sculptors, writers, wallpaper hangers and yodelers is to be. Tara has been snared by my passion for the incredible history of Spain - the Reconquista, Columbus, Inquisition, colonization, etc. Maybe she will discover why Cortes Island is misspelled or the both sad and triumphant story of Juan Francisco Quadra, after whom our neighbor island is named. One way or the other some of what she will learn will inspire her and some will repulse her. Spanish history is famous for that.

After their research has been accumulated, we'll all talk, drink cafe con leche, eat tapas and giggle about their new-found knowledge. Through those conversations the girls will discover ways they might demonstrate formally what they think to be important from their learning, choose their own media and execute those tasks. It might be writing historical fiction, or construction of something physical, creating and defending an argument, or teaching their peers what they have mastered and why it's significant. Lots of opportunities for assessment-for-learning along the way.
All this and puzzles, too. Here's one creeping up on us now...
How do you pronounce the capital of Spain? Is it   BAR ce lo NA    or, is it   Bar ce LO na?

Stay tuned.
There are quite a few Cortes and Quadra Island young scholars doing Self Design. They also are in the process of creating a democratic system through which the group can support their learning and manage their behaviour issues, should some arise. I'd like to work with them towards that end.