Hey Vakeesan! Great question.

The self-directed approach wasn’t difficult when I enjoyed what I was learning. I found analyzing biotech research papers sooooo enjoyable, for example. And I loved that I had the freedom to explore, and create, uniquely (i.e. not doing something like everyone else).

But the self-directed approach started to feel harder when I was less interested (e.g. learning design). As I’ve started to gain reasons to learn things I didn’t love before (design, in this example), the self-directed approach works well for me; I enjoy figuring things out.

However, not all kids have the same levels of natural motivation and resilience. So I could see it being a not one-size-fits-all.

BUT with a stronger community, ideally students can help students. In some circumstances, I’ve heard of students being mean/judgemental to students asking for help (e.g. asking about a coding problem). The other critique I’ve heard, but haven’t experienced in depth, is the community being “more competitive than collaborative.” It might be a couple odd apples that create this communal impression, which deteriorates the community.

On the second point, mentorship, my good experiences are overwhelming! My directors have been “mother and father” like figures, so most of the really positive experiences have been discussing personal circumstances.

I was fortunate to go on a few trips, like to Las Vegas, where I met other directors (not just Toronto, the program I was at), and the friendliness is universal.

Even yesterday, I reached out to a director to get some feedback on a new website I was building. The “reliability” feels priceless. (I am an alumnus as of June 2020).

My primary critique, and this depends on the director’s personality, is I wish there was more emphasis to sit on their advice, rather than act right away. Further, some directors are very, very “rational,” and while their advice might make sense on paper, it may not always morally or emotionally align with the student.

Let me know how else I can help 😄