What is self-directed learning (SDL)?
Put simply, Self-Directed Learning (SDL) is an opportunity for young people to lead their own learning.
How it works
Throughout the week, young people have time allocated for SDL. At the beginning of the week they think about the week ahead, planning for what they might like to work on during their SDL time; they might choose a project to work on, an interest to pursue or a skill that they want to practice and develop. This links closely to the goals that they set for themselves in collaboration with their teachers and parents/carers at the start of each term.
During SDL time you will see several different things happening in one space as young people work on their own personal goals. In one class you could glance across the room and see one person working on a clay art project, someone in a cosy spot of the room reading, whilst another might be taking ten minutes out of their SDL time to practise their multiplication or spelling. This can also be a time for collaboration, developing skills relating to listening to and working with others as young people work on shared goals. This can also create rich opportunities for cross class/multi age collaboration where similar interests bring young people together.
Group SDL
We currently have a group of young people from Class 3 and 4 that come together on a weekly basis to work on their game design, and a Class 3 group who have created their own comic production team, creating comics to sell.
In Class 4 there is a small group of young people with an interest in Formula One. During one SDL session recently they were all in the same space, working on their own mini projects linked to their shared interest. Whilst one took an old Go Kart apart examining how it was made, another was building his own Go Kart, whilst another was across the room exploring how to make his own homopolar motors. He is more interested in the science behind how motors work.
How SDL impacts young people
SDL fosters lifelong learning skills, and boosts motivation and confidence. It empowers young people to take ownership of their learning journey, tailoring it to their specific needs and interests, which leads to a more engaged and fulfilling learning experience.
