Are We Preparing Children for School or for Life?

Most parents want the same thing.

We want our children to become capable adults. We want them to solve problems, make good decisions, communicate effectively, and pursue meaningful goals. We want them to be confident enough to navigate challenges and resilient enough to recover when things don't go as planned.

The question is: How do we help them develop those skills?

In a recent episode of the Element Is Everything Podcast, Terri Novacek sat down with Dr. Michael Wehmeyer, one of the leading researchers in self-determined learning, to discuss a topic that is becoming increasingly important in today's world: helping students become active participants in their own learning.

For many parents, this conversation may feel especially relevant.

Today's students are entering a world that looks very different from the one their parents experienced. Careers change. Technology evolves rapidly. Information is available instantly. Success is no longer determined simply by what a person knows, but by their ability to learn, adapt, communicate, and solve problems.

These are skills that cannot be developed through memorization alone.

According to Dr. Wehmeyer, students need opportunities to make decisions, set goals, solve problems, reflect on their progress, and adjust when things aren't working. In other words, they need opportunities to practice being responsible for their own learning.

That doesn't mean children should be left entirely on their own.

In fact, one of the most important ideas from the conversation is that independence develops through guidance, support, and practice. Adults play a critical role in creating environments where children can safely make choices, learn from mistakes, and build confidence over time.

For prospective parents exploring educational options, this raises an important question:

How often does my child have opportunities to make meaningful decisions about their learning?

Can they pursue interests that matter to them?

Do they have opportunities to set goals and reflect on their progress?

Are they learning how to advocate for themselves and solve problems when challenges arise?

These experiences help children develop skills that extend far beyond academics.

They learn responsibility.

They learn perseverance.

They learn how to seek help when needed.

Most importantly, they learn that they have the ability to influence the direction of their own lives.

At Element Education, we believe learning should prepare students not only for graduation, but for life. Academic knowledge matters, but so do the habits, skills, and mindsets that allow young people to continue learning long after they leave the classroom.

As Dr. Wehmeyer reminds us, the future belongs to learners who know how to learn.

And that journey begins by giving students opportunities to take ownership of their education today.