When the Kids Take Over Studentdirected Learning Choose

When the Kids Take Over Student-directed Learning

Choose Your Own Adventure • Online Article (independent reading/group conversation) • Offline Text (independent reading and written reflection) • Sculpting Station • Comic Strip Station • Toybox Station • Face Your Fears Station

Choose Your Own Adventure The Big Question: What does a classroom focused on student-directed learning look like?

Contructivist Approach

How to find today’s resources: www. thewebsterweb. com

Teacher’s Role: • Shift from “sage on the stage” to “guide on the side” • Students talk more; teachers listen more • Teachers get super comfy with “I don’t know” (even when they do know) • Create scenarios and choices – it’s not about free reign

TED Talk: “The Power of Student-Centered Learning”

What Shelly Wright’s students really wanted:

Benefits of Self-Directed Learning • Increased student choice and voice • Relevance; connection to real-world issues • Variety of learning styles addressed • A focus on how to learn, not just what to learn • Shift in school culture (a place where inquiries and passions are honored)

Benefits of Self-Directed Learning • Focus on critical skills: • Creative thinking, research skills, communication, product design, collaboration, self-management, peer-to-peer upskilling in technology skills, etc. • Growth mindset; perseverance • Student engagement • Metacognition/Reflection

Built-in Differentiation • pacing • process • product • personalized learning (topics, resources, learning environment, etc. )

But let’s be real a minute… Collaboration and Critical Thinking Complete and utter CHAOS

Student-centered learning is MESSY

Strategies that emphasize SDL: • Project-based learning (also called problem-based) • Design thinking • Scientific inquiry (student-designed experiments and lab-based learning) • Inquiry-based learning • Genius Hour (20% time devoted to ind. study)

More Student-Centered Strategies: • • Know/Need to Know Charts Open-ended writing prompts Socratic Seminars/Debates Simulations or Role-playing Increased Oracy (Talk, Read, Talk, Write) Gallery Walks/Station Activities “WIN” Sessions (What I Need) Self-reflection/self-assessment

Focus on reflection and revision:

Student-Centered Examples at AHS • • Culinary Arts Yearbook Shark Tank Projects Engineering Design Projects Graphic Design Film Theater productions AND MORE!!!!

Student-Centered Examples at AHS • TGPLAN: Think Globally, Problem-solve Locally, Act Neighborly • Upcycle Auction and Trash. Talks • Teach-for-a-Day • Urban Garden Design • Little Lending Libraries • Design Thinking Challenges • Educated Consumer Podcasts • Land Use Re-Design Project • Chemistry/Artistry

Sharing Session • What projects/units/strategies do you utilize to emphasize student-led instruction? • What tips do you have for someone who is wanting to create a more student-centered classroom? • What obstacles have you faced? How can we problem-solve those issues together?