First, read through the entire list of discussion questions to get an idea of the scope of the course.

As mentioned in the Syllabus, each document is meant to be read and discussed with a tutor or any kind of partner, one week at a time (or at whatever pace suits you best).

I recommend starting with questions #1-3, then choosing questions based on what is most relevant and interesting to you; assessing these things for yourself is an important part of the course. While topics are roughly grouped together, these groupings aren’t in a particular order. (Topics are numbered merely for ease of reference. Related topics are listed at the bottom of each Discussion Material page.)

Before addressing a discussion question, spend some time asking it yourself. (e.g. Why should I take more responsibility for my education?) Make the question yours, so you have a personal stake in finding an answer. This will fundamentally improve your experience of the reading.

Read in a comfortable setting. Make yourself a cup of tea, or whatever you prefer to relax and focus. This course deals with serious topics; make the time and space to treat the material seriously, and to enjoy yourself.

The ideas I’ve collected here are the most thought-provoking and incisive that I’ve found, addressing the most important and recurrent issues, from many of the most influential books on (and around) the subject of education. This is to say that I’ve tried my best to value your time by offering content that rewards deep thought, and is worth making a sincere effort to explore.

As you read, take notes to reference in discussion later. Pay attention to how you react to certain ideas. Note your agreement, disagreement, confusion, praise, etc.

As always, be mindful of how you feel about the task itself. What is your attitude going into it? Is it an imposition or a voluntary exploration? Did you find the reading rewarding or not? How much effort did you put into it? Remember that you control the work being done, and you evaluate its benefit as well as your performance.

As you read and discuss, think about the ideas from the perspective of both student and teacher.

It’s easy for the young to disown the role of teacher, and adults the role of student. But the young can’t afford to be mere students. They should appreciate the critical influence they have on their peers, how giant and authoritative they appear to those only a few years younger, the educative effects of their actions on the adults around them, and their likely future role as parents.

Adults, similarly, can’t afford to be mere teachers. They might label studenthood as inferior and abandon it as soon as possible, but our authority as teachers is directly related to our continuing development as students. The more we exemplify the benefits of learning on behalf of ourselves, the more we inspire our students to do the same. And as we choose to make learning a primary activity throughout our lives, we create a culture of more enlightened values, capable of improving the world in countless ways.

The young and old will both benefit from a greater sympathy for one-another in educational encounters. If students can gain insight into the minds of their teachers (their struggles and deeper motives) and if teachers can know the minds of their students (how they are inhibited, their true needs and potentials) the educational encounter may become much simpler and more efficient.

Look further into an author or title if you find a quote interesting. This can provide meaningful context and reveal more avenues to explore.

Also, I strongly encourage you to seek out other resources to use in your discussions. The ideas provided here are meant to promote a larger, ongoing conversation—on which there are many more valuable perspectives.

Some discussion questions contain opposing answers, this is to juxtapose different ideas that should be reconciled. There’s usually some truth to be found on either side of an issue, and something valuable in being able to integrate seemingly contradictory perspectives. It is important to think critically about each topic, and fashion for yourself a reasoned and coherent perspective.

If you are a young person working through the course with a tutor, share your work with your family. Take some time to share your thoughts and ask about theirs. This will not only reinforce the material in your mind, it will also expose them to important ideas, and contribute to a supportive intellectual environment in your home.