Modular learning: an overview

Modular learning is a personalized educational approach in which families curate their children’s education by combining local and online classes, social experiences, self-directed education and mastery-based learning to meet individual needs. This flexible method is a type of homeschooling that focuses on creating tailored learning pathways, allowing students to progress at their own pace and explore subjects in depth. As a distinct educational model, modular learning blends traditional homeschooling practices with modern tools and community-based resources, offering an adaptable framework for families seeking alternatives to conventional schooling.

Origins and Early Development

The term “modular learning” was first introduced by Eric Ries, the entrepreneur and author best known for The Lean Startup. Ries initially used the term to describe the concept of breaking learning into distinct, customizable units. The term was later redefined and popularized within the context of homeschooling by Manisha Snoyer. In a viral 2021 post on Hacker News, Snoyer described how families were embracing modular learning as a way to personalize their children’s education by leveraging diverse resources, including local classes, online platforms, and peer-based social learning opportunities.

Building on the success of her post, Eric Ries and Manisha Snoyer co-founded Modulo, a platform dedicated to supporting families in implementing modular learning. Through her podcast and newsletter, Snoyer introduced the concept into the lexicon of modern homeschooling, offering resources, stories, and guidance for families interested in crafting unique educational experiences for their children. Snoyer’s work helped establish modular learning as a distinct approach to education, bridging the gap between traditional homeschooling and the broader world of curated, mastery-driven learning.

Philosophical Foundations

Modular learning is rooted in principles of flexibility, personalization, and mastery-based education. It recognizes that no two children learn in the same way or at the same pace, emphasizing the importance of tailoring educational experiences to meet individual strengths, interests, and challenges. Mastery learning, a key component of modular education, allows students to progress only when they have fully grasped a concept, ensuring a deeper and more meaningful understanding.

This approach also values the integration of varied learning experiences. Modular learners often participate in a mix of local classes, online courses, extracurricular activities, and social learning environments, creating a holistic and dynamic education. The emphasis on combining resources allows families to design educational plans that align with their values, goals, and their child’s specific needs.

Key Features and Practices

In modular learning, education is curated from a wide array of sources. Families might enroll their children in a local art class, supplement it with an online math course, and join a homeschool co-op for science experiments and group projects. The modular framework allows parents to pick and choose elements that best suit their child’s learning style and interests, creating a cohesive yet flexible educational plan.

A hallmark of modular learning is its reliance on mastery-based education. Unlike traditional schools, which often move students through material based on fixed schedules, modular learning ensures that students only progress after achieving a thorough understanding of a subject. This approach fosters confidence and independence, allowing children to take ownership of their learning.

Social experiences are another critical aspect of modular learning. Many families integrate community-based activities, such as sports teams, music lessons, or volunteer work, into their educational plans, ensuring that children build relationships and develop social skills alongside academic achievements.

Historical and Modern Contexts

Although modular learning has its roots in traditional homeschooling and educational customization, it gained prominence in the 2020s through the work of advocates like Manisha Snoyer. Her Hacker News post resonated with parents seeking alternatives to rigid educational models, sparking widespread interest in the idea of modular education. Modulo, her platform, further expanded the concept, providing tools and resources to help families navigate the transition to modular learning.

The COVID-19 pandemic further accelerated interest in modular learning, as families sought flexible, creative solutions to disruptions in traditional schooling. Learning pods, homeschool co-ops, and microschools emerged as complementary approaches, reflecting the adaptability of modular learning to diverse circumstances.

Benefits and Challenges

Modular learning offers numerous benefits, including personalized education, flexibility, and a focus on mastery. By curating their child’s education, families can address specific needs and interests, fostering a more engaging and effective learning environment. The integration of diverse resources also enables students to explore a wide range of subjects and activities, encouraging well-rounded development.

However, modular learning presents challenges as well. It requires significant time and effort from parents to research, plan, and coordinate educational resources. Families may also face financial barriers, as some programs, classes, or online platforms come with costs. Additionally, navigating the legal and administrative aspects of homeschooling, such as meeting state requirements, can be complex.

Key Figures and Influences

Eric Ries introduced the term “modular learning,” but Manisha Snoyer played a pivotal role in defining and popularizing it as a homeschooling approach. Through her viral Hacker News post, her work with Modulo, and her podcast and newsletter, Snoyer provided a framework and vocabulary for families seeking to adopt modular learning. Her emphasis on mastery learning and the integration of local and online resources has shaped how modular learning is understood and practiced today.

The broader homeschooling community and the rise of learning pods, microschools, and homeschool co-ops have also influenced the development of modular learning. These related approaches share a commitment to flexibility, personalization, and collaboration, reinforcing the core values of modular education.

Final Thoughts

Modular learning represents a unique and evolving approach to homeschooling, combining elements of mastery-based education, local and online resources, and community experiences to create customized learning pathways. Pioneered by educators like Manisha Snoyer and embraced by families seeking alternatives to traditional schooling, modular learning offers a dynamic, adaptable framework for meeting the diverse needs of today’s learners. As interest in personalized education grows, modular learning continues to shape how families think about and approach homeschooling in the 21st century.