Self Directed Learning
In August 2020, ISA began a pilot self directed learning programme (SDL) with Grade 9. Self directed learning gives students the freedom to explore topics of interest to them and develops creative problem solving, research and self management skills with a view to creating lifelong learners. Prompts have been used throughout the year to allow for reflection at key stages in the process to keep students on track. The reflective check-ins mirror some of the practices in IBDP courses such as Creativity-Activity-Service, Theory of Knowledge and the Extended Essay, with the teacher becoming connector, enabler and cognitive coach.
Students have been working on their projects during the shorter elective blocks on Fridays and, despite the hindrance of lockdown, most have made meaningful progress. A highlight of mine recently was joining a student for a successful flight test of a polystyrene model aeroplane that he had rebuilt. Having read up on matters from fluid dynamics to electronics there was a palpable sense of achievement when the plane took off after some earlier failures.
The focus is very much though on the 'journey' not the 'product' and students will be doing their final reflections this week in the form of a vlog (video log) which can be shared. We have seen a diverse range of projects and our current Grade 8 class can start to envision what they might want to explore when they have this opportunity for taking ownership of part of their learning next year.
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