The Observer Was Correct: This is "Good, Radical Stuff"
May 25, 2009
by plantsandbooks
Rating:
+5
Ivan Illich, author of "Deschooling Society," presents a fairly radical view of education overhaul. I do not necessarily agree with all of his ideas, but I do support the foundation of his argument. The good thing about this book is that it has benefits for people who both agree and disagree with his philosophy. I think everybody who has been through the education system would agree that there is something, however big or small, fundamentally wrong with education. It was much the same in 1970 when Illich wrote this book. This book presents some problems that should be addressed whether with Illich's proposals or something else. A failing system should be fixed somehow and in someway. Illich just gives some fairly radical ways of doing so.
I do not agree with the "edu-credit cards" that Illich proposes, but it is an interesting idea. However, the "learning webs" are a great idea. These "skill exchanges" would not only provide the knowledge that people are seeking but also foster more social interaction and people would be forced to develop the social skills that seem to be less obvious and less important in the current age.
In summary, I think that "Deschooling Society" is a good work of literature that is a worthwhile read, especially for students in the field of education. I will remind you that it is radical, and many will probably not like this book because of the suggestions and implications Illich provides. However, the ideas are grounded and based on problematic areas of school and society. These areas deserve a second glance through this text or another.