self-directed learning
Growing Student Choice – Spectrum of Choice
The Spectrum of Choice is an artifact to help answer the following questions: Think of it as Bloom’s Taxonomy for student choice, categorized into five levels, The Spectrum of Choice describes how the students and the teacher are involved at each level. By selecting the appropriate level for each routine of the Learning Sprint, classrooms…
Read MoreSprint Planning Protocol
In traditional lesson planning, the plan is developed solely by the teacher and is not visible to the students. This is fine for delivering content. If self-direction is the goal, then sharing the plan and the process of planning serves as an exemplar for students so they can begin doing it themselves.
Read MoreRetrospective Protocol Guide
A way to routinize and practice the ‘growth mindset’, Retrospectives are a protected time for classrooms, learners, and teams to reflect on their learning and identify one action to improve and grow in the next cycle. Retrospectives are one of the Five Self-Directed Learning Routines in an Agile Classroom. To help you implement and practice…
Read MoreLearning Sprint Overview
The Learning Sprint The Learning Sprint is a fixed-length learning cycle that includes 5 self-directed learning routines. Short enough for frequent feedback yet long enough to produce something meaningful and assessable. Typically a Learning Sprint is four weeks or less. The Learning Sprint is composed of five self-directed learning routines: Together, the five Learning Sprint…
Read MoreA New Learning Canvas Prototype
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…
Read MoreElement 2: The Learning Rhythm
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…
Read More10 Reflections for Agile Learners
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…
Read MoreReflection: Start Stop Continue
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…
Read MoreLittle Agile Bakers
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…
Read MoreReflection: Glows Grows Knows
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…
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