View Content #22322

From http://www.gettingsmart.com/2016/12/developing-self-directed-learners/

Our December InterCom theme is Learner Agency. Here is a timely article by Tom Vander Ark and Emily Liebtag about developing self-directed learners. From the article:

“For a century, the primary design meme of American schools has been compliant consumption. Students read, practice and regurgitate in small chunks in siloed classes in regimented environments. Low levels of self-direction shouldn’t be surprising—it is inherent in the traditional secondary school design.

“High engagement schools start from a different conception—knowledge co-creation and active production. They design a very different learner experience and support it with a student-centered culture and opportunities to improve self-regulation, initiative and persistence—all key to self-directed learning.”

Read the article at http://www.gettingsmart.com/2016/12/developing-self-directed-learners/

Here are some more resources about learner engagement:
•    A resource roundup from Edutopia: https://www.edutopia.org/student-engagement-resources
•    An interview with Larry Ferlazzo about how to cultivate self-motivated students: http://larryferlazzo.edublogs.org/2016/12/12/interview-with-me-how-skilled-teachers-cultivate-self-motivated-students/
•    An article from KQED: “How to Ensure Students Are Actively Engaged and Not Just Compliant”: https://ww2.kqed.org/mindshift/2016/12/09/how-to-ensure-students-are-actively-engaged-and-not-just-compliant/
•    Techniques to increase student engagement, from Edutopia: https://www.edutopia.org/article/bring-excitement-into-any-lesson-robert-ward