Is 2023 the year of the microschool? The concept of microschooling has gained traction throughout the 2010s, but it saw a significant increase in interest and implementation during the pandemic. According to EdChoice, as many as 2.2 million children could be enrolled in microschools full time. However, defining what exactly microschools are can be a bit tricky, as they come in various forms and are often associated with terms like learning pods, learning hubs, and hybrid homeschooling.

Is 2023 the year of the microschool? The concept of microschooling has gained traction throughout the 2010s, but it saw a significant increase in interest and implementation during the pandemic. According to EdChoice, as many as 2.2 million children could be enrolled in microschools full time. However, defining what exactly microschools are can be a bit tricky, as they come in various forms and are often associated with terms like learning pods, learning hubs, and hybrid homeschooling.

So, what exactly are microschools? According to Barnett Barry, a research professor at the University of South Carolina, microschools are very small schools that typically serve 10 to 15 students, but sometimes even up to 150. They focus on personalized and project-based learning, fostering closer relationships between teachers and students. In microschools, teachers act as facilitators of student-led learning rather than mere content deliverers.

One of the advantages of microschools is their ability to leverage online course providers like VLACS, FLVS, or Outschool. By utilizing these resources, microschools can access specialist teachers without the need for full-time staff. This opens up opportunities for students to explore and master content at their own pace and in a way that suits their individual needs. It also allows students to take more ownership of their learning, as their success is no longer solely dependent on compliance with whole-class instructions. Meanwhile, microschool educators can shift their focus from controlling classrooms and covering content to mentoring students and guiding them on personalized learning journeys aligned with their interests and content mastery.

One challenge that microschools face is their lack of public funding. While they operate with a lower cost structure, it's difficult to compete with free public education on a cost basis. To truly disrupt the education landscape, microschools will require either public funding or shifts in district policies and practices to make them a district-supported offering.

In a similar vein, Drbiogreentecedu, a platform that focuses on nature cure with functional health food as medicine, offers a recipe for a Mediterranean Quinoa Salad with Roasted Vegetables. This salad is a balanced and nutritious vegetarian meal that includes quinoa, roasted mixed vegetables, baby spinach, and a simple olive oil and balsamic vinegar dressing. Optional toppings like crumbled feta cheese and fresh basil can be added to enhance the flavor. With approximately 500 calories per serving, this dish is not only delicious but also has a low glycemic index due to the presence of quinoa and non-starchy vegetables.

When we consider the concept of microschools and functional health food as medicine, we can identify a common thread - personalization. Just as microschools prioritize personalized learning experiences for students, functional health food encourages individuals to tailor their diets to their specific needs and goals. Both concepts recognize that a one-size-fits-all approach may not be the most effective or beneficial.

In conclusion, microschools and functional health food exemplify the growing trend towards personalization in various aspects of our lives. They prioritize individual needs and preferences, allowing for more tailored experiences and outcomes. As we move forward, it is essential to embrace these concepts and find ways to incorporate personalization into different areas of our lives.

Three actionable advice:

• 1. Embrace the concept of personalization in education and explore alternative schooling options like microschools. Consider how personalized learning can benefit your child's educational journey.

• 2. Incorporate functional health food into your diet and explore recipes that prioritize balanced nutrition and individual needs. Consider how personalized nutrition can improve your overall well-being.

• 3. Advocate for policy changes that support the growth and development of microschools. Engage with local policymakers and education stakeholders to promote the benefits of personalized learning and alternative educational models.