Self Directed Learning in the Classroom

When a student is interested in a self-directed learning topic, their engagement is automatically increased. Students arrive to your classroom with their own interests. Those interests are wonderful motivators for that student. They will persist beyond basic learning to become a master in that topic.

What is self-directed learning?

Self-directed learning is where the student, with or without teacher guidance, assesses their needs. Then, they determine how they will reach an academic goal. One of the most engaging activities in the classroom can be giving students the ability to choose their own culminating project for a unit. This allows students the ability to play on their own strengths and interests. Students can show their mastery of standards for a unit of study through this type of assessment.

Choice Boards

Although you will find many different ways to give students choices in your classroom, choice boards can be very easy to manage. A choice board is usually a collection of tasks or activities that students can choose from as they work. Giving students a choice of assignments, from a limited but engaging assortment, encourages them to take ownership of their learning. They can also work toward the goals you have guided them in creating.

Choice boards that offer activities that are engaging and rigorous are the most effective. Another way to make your choice boards effective and engaging is to include activities that appeal to different learning styles. You can vary the types of tasks, the level of rigor, and the number of choices in order to differentiate based on your own students.

Consider this list of examples for a learning choice board that can be used throughout the year:

Don’t forget to grab your copy of my step-by-step guide to managing your first year in the classroom before you go!