Great post. I homeschooled my son after the 5th grade due to many shortcomings to outright blatant manipulations I disapproved of. I love this quote from your post as it leads by extension to something I've believed since I was very young.
This may seem oversimplified, but it's difficult to learn just for learning sake.
I've long held the belief that EVERYONE is a genius at what interests them. I've witnessed folks who couldn't read past a 3rd grade reading level have mechanical skills allowing them to tear apart, diagnose and fix just about anything as one example. Because they were interested in mechanics. Not so much reading.
Once one believes this as a truth, then as a teacher the burden shifts to how can I make this topic interesting to the person I need to teach. If that can be figured out, it will be teachable.
I'm still in the process of deprogramming after decades in the "education" system. Spending most of my young life learning for grades makes actual learning a challenge. These days I have to force myself to DO things and not look for ways for others to do it for me - and be ok when things do not go perfectly.
When students seek out a teacher for a topic they're interested in, you have the makings of an apprenticeship and the passing on of valuable skill. If a teacher is HANDED several dozen "students" who don't want to be there, it's a waste of time.
I'm so glad to hear that you got your son out of the system, this decision will open up great potential for him!
It already has actually. I made him get college certification in computers. He got his certificate a few weeks after his 18th birthday. He resented me for it for several years. However, he has built atop that foundation through various jobs and in more recent years more schooling and has a great job that pays above the average income where he lives. He has plenty of room for growth in his most recent position, in both salary and learning.
I'm very proud of him, and glad I stuck to my guns those years ago when he was not pleased with what dad was making him do.
So much this. The makings of manifesting genius.