Reflections for next year's fully self-directed class
After finishing out the school year with my pilot of a self-directed classroom, I'm so excited about it that I'm going to do my class this way entirely next year! That's not to say I don't have lots of kinks to work out. Yet, I am so encouraged by what I've seen--no significant differences in how well students are understanding the physics content, but LOTS of amazing progress towards self-regulation and metacognition--that I feel like going all in starting in September, when I can more pointedly and effectively teach the learning strategies needed to be successful in a self-directed environment, could be transformative for my students. I have begun planning out my main goals to do this by quarter, including which scaffolds I will need to provide. My overarching goal for the year is lofty: SWBAT chart their own learning journey, accurately assess their mastery, and design and conduct their own authentic demonstrations of what they know and can do. Can ...