Deschooling Society Open Forum: A Catalyst for Rethinking Education

About the Open Forum

The Deschooling Society Open Forum is an annual gathering of educators, parents, students, and scholars who question the efficacy and relevance of traditional educational systems. Held in various locations around the world, these forums provide a platform for open dialogue, critical reflection, and exploration of alternative educational approaches.

Founded in 1977 by Ivan Illich, a renowned educational philosopher and critic, the Deschooling Society movement advocates for a radical transformation of society's relationship with education. Illich believed that the institutionalized education system, as it currently exists, is counterproductive to genuine learning and personal growth, perpetuating inequalities and stifling creativity.

The Open Forum embodies these principles by creating a space for individuals to share their experiences, ideas, and challenges related to deschooling and self-directed learning. Participants engage in thought-provoking discussions, workshops, and presentations that challenge traditional educational norms and explore innovative ways of fostering learning throughout life.

Key Themes of the Open Forum

• Unschooling and Homeschooling: Explores the diverse experiences and perspectives of families who choose to educate their children outside of the traditional school system, empowering them to take ownership of their learning and pursue their passions.
• Self-Directed Learning: Emphasizes the importance of learner agency and self-motivation in the learning process, encouraging individuals to take responsibility for their own educational journeys and pursue knowledge based on their interests and aspirations.
• Critical Pedagogy: Challenges the dominant power structures and ideologies inherent in traditional education, advocating for a more equitable and inclusive learning environment that empowers students to question, analyze, and transform their own learning experiences.
• Alternative Learning Communities: Explores the creation and sustainment of learning communities that break away from conventional school structures, fostering collaboration, peer learning, and individualized support for learners of all ages.
• The Future of Education: Envisions a more just, equitable, and empowering educational system that recognizes the diverse learning needs of all individuals and supports lifelong learning throughout society.

The Impact of the Open Forum

The Deschooling Society Open Forum has had a profound impact on the global educational landscape, inspiring countless individuals and organizations to rethink their approach to education. Attendees have left the forum with renewed perspectives, practical tools, and networks of like-minded individuals who support their educational journeys.

The forum has also been instrumental in raising awareness about the limitations of traditional schooling and the potential of alternative educational approaches. By providing a platform for diverse voices and experiences, the Open Forum has contributed to a growing body of knowledge and research on alternative education, challenging the dominance of traditional educational paradigms.

Moreover, the Open Forum has fostered a sense of community among individuals who share a commitment to deschooling and self-directed learning. Attendees have formed lasting connections, established collaborative projects, and continue to engage with the ideas and practices shared at the forum throughout their lives.

Upcoming Events

The Deschooling Society Open Forum is held annually in various locations around the world. Upcoming events include:

• Deschooling Society Open Forum 2023 (Europe):
  Dates: August 10-14, 2023
  Location: Barcelona, Spain
• Deschooling Society Open Forum 2024 (Americas):
  Dates: July 25-29, 2024
  Location: Montreal, Canada
• Deschooling Society Open Forum 2025 (Asia-Pacific):
  Dates: December 12-16, 2025
  Location: Tokyo, Japan

Join the Deschooling Society Movement

If you are an educator, parent, student, or anyone interested in rethinking education, we invite you to join the Deschooling Society Open Forum. Attend an upcoming event, connect with the community, and be part of a global movement that is transforming the way we learn and live.

Together, we can create a more equitable, empowering, and lifelong educational experience for all.