What does learning look like? All of these photos show students learning. What do they have in common? Look closely. It isn’t the setting, the equipment, or the specific activity. What these four photos have in common is the engagement and full participation of the students involved. They are learning something that is important to them. Something they value. Possibly even something they chose to learn. These are all examples of student directed learning.
Student directed learning is the approach used in Finland. It is also the curriculum model for Sudbury schools. It has been proven to be effective, not only in educating students, but also in teaching them to think for themselves. Students take an active role in the selection and method of study for their education. They have buy-in. Mandatory attendance is not necessary. They eagerly participate because they are learning about something that has meaning to them. And they are leaning how they can use the knowledge they are gaining to provide for themselves. They learn not only how to make a living, but how to make a life.
Next Tuesday I will be interviewing the founder of a private school which uses the Sudbury Model. He will explain how he uses student directed learning in his K-12 school and how students and parents are responding to it.