self-directed learning – Agile Classrooms

Learning Sprint Infographic

By John Miller | January 4, 2018 |

An infographic showing the events in the Learning Sprint to guide classrooms through the process.

A New Learning Canvas Prototype

By John Miller | November 21, 2016 |

In observing many Agile Classrooms in action, I have noticed a few issues that pop up frequently. In accordance with the principle of making the learning visible in order to support the student’s self-direction, I created an updated Learning Canvas to help. Problem 1: At times, students and teachers have trouble following or forget key parts of the…

Element 2: The Learning Rhythm

By John Miller | November 2, 2016 |

There are 5 Elements to an Agile Classroom. This post will describe the second element, The Learning Rhythm. In an Agile Classroom, learners set and achieve their goals within an iterative learning cycle called the Learning Rhythm. The the cycle is timeboxed from 1-4 weeks. When a cycle of the Learning Rhythm ends, it repeats…

10 Reflections for Agile Learners

By John Miller | December 30, 2015 |

Reflection is the heart of becoming an empowered and collaborative learner that continuously improves and quickly adapts to a fast changing world. But, they can be more engaging and easier to use. Student Team Reflection with Sticky Notes We have designed 10 reflections for you that are visible, fun, and evokes different perspectives. They can…

Reflection: Start Stop Continue

By John Miller | December 29, 2015 |

Reflection: The Heart of Learning Reflection is perhaps the most important thing in becoming self-directed, lifelong learners. It is the heart of 21st Century Skills, necessary for adaptability and innovation. It is paramount in shifting from reforming schools to transforming them. Reflection Excuses Without reflection, learners might learn content, but they are not growing as…

Little Agile Bakers

By John Miller | December 28, 2015 |

Vector Art by Vecteezy! I love to cook with my daughter.And, it is Christmas season, which means Santa needed some cookies. Have you ever cooked with your young kids?It is lots of fun, but….it often takes more time and a more mess. Christmas is a busy time for my family, every minute counts. So, I was…

Reflection: Glows Grows Knows

By John Miller | September 14, 2015 |

Sharpening the Saw We can all agree that we want students who are growing in their capacity to be self-directed, make better choices, and interact positively with one another. In order to do this, we have to give time for students to reflect and improve. Stephen Covey calls this sharpening the saw: “Suppose you came upon someone…

Learning Rhythm Deck

By John Miller | September 4, 2015 |

In order to help guide students and teachers themselves through the Learning Rhythm, we created the Learning Rhtyhm Card Deck.Each step of the Learning Rhythm is broken down as a separate card.This can be used by the teacher, by individual students, or student teams to guide them through the process and grow their capacity to…

Growing Self-Direction: A Scaffolding Model

By John Miller | August 2, 2015 |

How do we differentiate and scaffold self-directed learning? How do we meet students where they are, yet, continuously stretch them to become more self-directed? Empowering Boundaries You know how you grow a plant. Growing self-direction is like that. At first, you need to plant the seeds in a container. The container provides structure to support…

Student Empowerment Levels

By John Miller | July 24, 2015 |

Daniel Pink, in his book Drive, says that Mastery, Autonomy and Purpose (MAP) are what really motivates us to our highest levels. Autonomy, or self-directedness, is a critical 21st Century Skill. Yet, we give so little of it to our students, and sadly, not enough to teachers. It can be scary for some of us…