Is accelerated learning really what we want?
That phrase is used all the time, especially with reference to those labelled ‘at risk’ learners.
But think of what happens when we accelerate. Decision-making becomes instinctive or panicked. Our reaction times are reduced. We are more vulnerable. Our vision narrows. We become fatigued quickly. Safe acceleration requires the addition of all manner of protections to insulate us from risk.
The elite train for years to cope well with operating at speed.
Peeking under the hood of that phrase shows us the real purpose of our education system: the speedy attainment of goals set by others.
That’s performance, not learning.