About human development in autonomy-rich educational environments.

On this website you find my research and publications on autonomy, motivation, education, and human development, with particular attention to autonomy-rich learning environments and Sudbury-model schools.

I am available for keynote talks, seminars, workshops, and educational consulting on motivation, Self-Determination Theory (SDT), self-directed learning, and educational innovation. I combine academic research with more than 20 years of practical experience in democratic and autonomy-rich education. My presentations are analytical, thought-provoking, and aimed at inspiring new perspectives on learning, development, and education.

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https://vimeo.com/1237599398?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci

On Friday the 16th of October 2026, I defended my thesis Learning as a lifelong, self-directed process: A retrospective qualitative study of motivation and development among adult graduates of Sudbury-model schools.

The thesis explores the long-term experiences of adults who attended Sudbury-model schools, where young people direct their own learning within a democratic school community.

Based on in-depth interviews with 14 graduates from eight schools in three countries, the study shows how autonomy, play, exploration, and participation in school life contributed to the development of self-direction, responsibility, and social skills. Graduates described how they learned to take initiative, overcome challenges, and adapt to further education and working life. The findings highlight the importance of trust, supportive relationships, and time for individual development.

The dissertation can be downloaded here. If you prefer to receive a book, please contact me.

Over menselijke ontwikkeling in autonomie-rijke onderwijscontexten.

Op deze website vind je mijn onderzoek en publicaties over autonomie, motivatie, onderwijs en menselijke ontwikkeling, met bijzondere aandacht voor autonomie-rijke leeromgevingen en Sudbury-modelscholen.

Ik ben beschikbaar voor lezingen, seminars, workshops en adviestrajecten op het gebied van motivatie, zelfdeterminatietheorie (SDT), zelfgestuurd leren en onderwijsvernieuwing. Ik verbind wetenschappelijke inzichten met meer dan 20 jaar praktijkervaring in democratisch en autonomie-rijk onderwijs. Mijn presentaties zijn analytisch, verdiepend en gericht op het stimuleren van nieuwe perspectieven op leren, ontwikkeling en onderwijs.