Unschooling is an educational philosophy and approach to learning that differs significantly from traditional schooling. It is often associated with the ideas of education reformer John Holt and can be seen as an extreme form of homeschooling. Here's an overview of what unschooling is and how it works:

1. Self-Directed Learning: Unschooling places a strong emphasis on the individual interests and curiosity of the learner. It assumes that people are naturally curious and will learn best when motivated by their interests and passions. Therefore, unschoolers do not follow a set curriculum or structured lessons.
2. No Formal Curriculum: Unlike traditional schooling, unschooling does not have a predefined curriculum, textbooks, or lesson plans. Instead, learners explore subjects and topics that interest them. This can lead to a more fluid and dynamic learning experience.
3. Autonomy: Unschooling gives learners a high degree of autonomy and control over their education. They are encouraged to make decisions about what, when, and how they want to learn. Parents or facilitators play a supportive and guiding role rather than acting as strict teachers.
4. Real-World Learning: Unschooling often emphasizes learning through real-life experiences. This can include activities like field trips, hands-on projects, apprenticeships, and community involvement. These experiences are seen as valuable sources of education.
5. Assessment and Evaluation: Unschoolers typically do not rely on traditional methods of testing and grading. Instead, the success of unschooling is often evaluated based on the learner's ability to demonstrate their knowledge and skills through practical applications and personal projects.
6. Flexible Schedule: Unschooling allows for flexibility regarding when and where learning takes place. There are no fixed school hours or formal school settings. Learning can happen at any time, and it's often integrated into daily life.
7. Family-Centered Approach: Unschooling often involves a strong bond between the learner and their family. Parents or guardians are deeply involved in supporting the child's learning, but the child's interests drive the learning process.
8. Criticisms and Concerns: Critics of unschooling argue that it may not provide a well-rounded education and can potentially leave gaps in knowledge. They also worry about issues of socialization, as unschoolers may not have as much interaction with peers as they would in a traditional school.

It's important to note that unschooling is not legal or recognized in all regions, and the specific practices and implementations can vary widely from one family to another. In some places, there may be legal requirements for homeschooling, which could affect how unschooling is practiced.

Unschooling can be a successful and fulfilling educational approach for some families and learners, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. It requires a strong commitment from parents or guardians to create an environment that nurtures self-directed learning and a deep respect for a child's natural curiosity and ability to learn.