Unlock the Potential of Self-Directed Learning in Your Classroom
Insightful Posts
What Students are Saying
"Being in a self-directed classroom helped me become more independent. Sometimes, I can do assignments without my teachers help. A self-directed classroom was also a challenge. At first, I did not know what to do. A thing that helped me was seeking out videos and focusing on what I was actually trying to do."
7th Grade Student in a self-directed classroom
"[A Self-Directed Classroom] has allowed me to take control of what I learn which greatly reduces the amount of time I spend on a certain standard."
8th Grade Student in a Self-Directed Classroom
"It was pretty cool... it helped me to control myself and not play video games in class as much."
6th Grade Student in a Self-Directed Classroom
One Teacher's Journey
My name is Greg Mullen
"Transitioning from traditional teaching to a self-directed classroom has been an inspiring journey. I’ve seen my students grow in self-confidence, taking charge of their own motivation and building stronger social skills through collaboration. This experience led me to write a book that captures the most important elements of creating a successful self-directed learning environment, so other educators can empower their students in similar ways."
Case Studies
The following are examples of successful student-led, self-directed classrooms
in U.S. public schools, including partnerships with self-directed learning facilities:
1
Lighthouse Holyoke, Massachusetts:
Lighthouse Holyoke partners with local public school districts to offer a student-driven learning environment. Students take the lead in designing their curriculum, setting personal goals, and engaging in self-directed projects, fostering independence, motivation, and collaborative problem-solving.
2
Avalon School, Minnesota:
Avalon employs a project-based learning model in partnership with local public school districts, where students direct their own learning through independent projects. This model promotes self-regulation, peer feedback, and student accountability over their learning.
3
Lindsay Unified School District, California:
Lindsay Unified School District has transformed into a performance-based, student-centered system where learners progress at their own pace. This competency-based model empowers students to take ownership of their learning and build essential 21st century skills.
4
Meraki High School, California:
As part of the San Juan Unified School District, Meraki High School offers a personalized, self-directed learning environment where students set their own learning goals and engage in inquiry-based projects. This partnership emphasizes student autonomy and prepares learners to take ownership of their learning.
5
MC^2 Charter School, New Hampshire:
MC^2 partners with public school districts to implement self-directed learning through design-based projects. Students lead their education by setting goals, conducting research, and presenting their work to peers and external experts, as needed.
6
High Tech High, California:
High Tech High's partnership with public school districts involves extensive peer editing and project-based learning, emphasizing student autonomy and collaborative learning. Students are deeply involved in the process of creating and revising major projects, which promotes a sense of ownership and community.
Resources & Downloads
Access a variety of resources to help you implement self-directed learning in your classroom. From comprehensive guides and customizable toolkits to ready-made templates and practical checklists, you'll find everything you need to confidently take the next steps in fostering a student-centered environment.
01.
Comprehensive resources for implementing effective project-based learning strategies.
02.
Guidelines for developing skills to tailor personalized teaching approaches.
03.
Tools and rubrics for facilitating and assessing self-directed learning initiatives.
04.
In-depth analysis of research on self-directed learning methodologies and effectiveness.
05.
Foundational book outlining principles and practices of self-directed learning.
