schoolingbut

Schoolingbut is a term used in education discourse to denote an approach to learning that treats schooling as one component of a broader educational ecosystem rather than the sole canonical path. The concept envisions students pursuing knowledge through a mix of formal instruction, informal learning, community engagement, and work-based experiences, coordinated to align with individual interests and local opportunities.

Origin and usage: The term emerged in the early 2020s amid discussions about post-pandemic learning disruptions, homeschooling trends, and the expansion of online and community-based education. Proponents describe schoolingbut as a flexible framework rather than a single model, adaptable to varied contexts and age groups. It emphasizes interoperability among schools, families, and community partners.

Principles and practices: Core ideas include student agency and personalization, flexible pacing and pathways, integration with families and communities, and assessment that focuses on demonstrated competencies rather than seat time. Practically, schoolingbut is implemented through hybrid programs, community-based learning hubs, project-based cohorts, internships, service-learning, and mentorship networks that connect classroom work to real-world contexts.

Outcomes and considerations: Advocates suggest potential benefits such as increased engagement, equity through local relevance, and resilience to disruptions. Critics caution that without clear standards, funding, and coordination, quality control and cohesion may suffer, and there is a risk of fragmented responsibilities among educators, families, and community partners. Further research continues to explore effective governance and assessment within schoolingbut models.