Welcome to #Nt2t! Today’s topic is self-directed, or self-regulated, learning. Questions for today’s chat are here & on the photo cards. Today @hturk139 will be moderating. It may help to open @hturk139’s profile in a new window or a new column in TweetDeck. #NT2t
Welcome to #Nt2t! Today’s topic is self-directed, or self-regulated, learning. Questions for today’s chat are here & on the photo cards. Today @hturk139 will be moderating. It may help to open @hturk139’s profile in a new window or a new column in TweetDeck. #NT2t
We’re using Q1, A1, Q2, A2 (question 1/answer 1) format. Please include the A and number (A1, A2, etc.), and include #NT2t in your response so it becomes part of the conversation.
If you have any problems, tweet @JeremyDBond@seni_bl@stephwurking@hturk139 or @shyj for help.
Good morning! My name is Madison Morrow and I’m an elementary education major at the University of Oklahoma. I’m excited to be here with you all to discuss self-directed learning. #nt2t
My name is Joshua Mize and I'm studying Digital Communication in Education with @ghartman and this is my first time participating in a Twitter Chat. Looking forward to the discussion! #nt2t#LUlearns
Good Morning everyone in the
#nt2t chat. I'm a Technology Coach near Chicago, and taking a class on Social Media for grad school. Looking forward to this great topic and my 2nd Twitter chat.
#Twitterchat#SelfDirectedLearning
Good morning! I'm Sydney Warrick and I'm studying elementary education at the University of Oklahoma! I'm #nt2t and I'm excited to be on here learning more about self-directed learning!!
Q1: Let’s make sure we’re all on the same page. How do you define self-directed/self-regulated learning? What are the key elements of this style of teaching? What examples of self-directed/self-regulated learning have you experienced? #Nt2t
A1: #SelfDirectedLearning is students having choice and control over the topic, product, and possibly even the process (though I'm still a bit of a control freak with the process.)
#nt2t#Twitterchat
A1: Here is some good reading about self-regulation: "What is Self-Regulation? Definition, Theory + 95 Skills and Strategies" https://t.co/1g3g4syck8#NT2t
A1: Here is some good reading about self-regulation: "What is Self-Regulation? Definition, Theory + 95 Skills and Strategies" https://t.co/1g3g4syck8#NT2t
And MO has been cold enough (about to get colder) guess it's all relative. Saw FL was going to have temps in 50s and advising ppl to dress in layers 😁 #nt2t
A1: I think of self-directed learning as learning by doing. In the classroom, I've experienced it when teachers assigned individual essay projects, and I had to research on my own to gather facts, learn how to present those facts, and then present them well.
Hi again, #nt2t.
A1: As a grad student I've experienced #SelfDirectedLearning mostly in choice menus and selection of tech tools to present.
As a teacher I've used #geniushour, choose your own adventure, choice menus, gamification.
#nt2t
Hi Julie! Yes, we are talking about self-directed learning in my classes. I am hoping to get some better grasps on it this morning, and also share what I have learned so far! #nt2t
A1. I think that self-directed/self-regulated learning is giving your students the opportunity to have a say in what they're learning whether that's through the pace, procedure, and topics at hand #nt2t
I like that thought. When a student has to figure things on their own, they form opinions and convictions on their own.
It helps boost self confidence, and gives them the ability to defend their stance. #nt2t
#nt2t
Hello, sorry to add this a few minutes late..trying to figure this whole thing out. Twitter virgin here. Im a high school Biology teacher and was wondering if Self Directed was applicable to flipped classrooms?
I think of MO as the "south" even though you're all right next to Illinois. And not too far from my sister in Iowa and I know how cold that gets! #nt2t
A1: #selfdirectedlearning is where individual students take ownership and responsibility of their learning. So I'm guessing students have intrinsic motivation regarding education? #nt2t
Happy to be here! We are learning about self-directed learning in my courses but I can’t wait to explore the topic more today! I personally like the idea of having a teaching partnership with students and letting them have independence in choosing curriculum. #nt2t
Well said. It can start small and anywhere, though, correct?
I mean, it can be as basic as giving students a list of topics from which they can choose which to work on. #nt2t
A1: #selfdirectedlearning is where individual students take ownership and responsibility of their learning. So I'm guessing students have intrinsic motivation regarding education? #nt2t
Good morning Myriaha and welcome to #NT2t Please reach out if you have any questions or need help with Twitter! I think self-directed learning and flipped could be complimentary to each other if carefully managed.
The weather in the north of MO near IA and NE is certainly more brutal than in STL... got stuck in a blizzard on first trip through NW MO... don't get those here much #nt2t
That is an excellent visual! My son is 2 years old and so willing to figure things out, from controlling the tv to getting the snacks off the counter. #nt2t
Yes! I think you're right. Especially for me in elementary, I think starting with the basics is important. It can help prepare students for more interactive learning later on in the secondary grades! #nt2t
Good to see you again Narmadhaa! I agree, I think of that as a form of self-directed learning (even back in the 'olden' days they had aspects of it). It is so interesting to see how it continues to grow and give students more independence and ownership of their learning! #nt2t
Love this Sydney. The thing that sticks in my mind is that kids are going to need to develop some specific skills beforehand so they know how to make decisions about their learning. #NT2t
That's great Madison! Is self-directed learning being used by your instructors as you take your own courses? Would be great if it was so you can see how it feels as a student. #NT2t
A1. In chapter 2 of the book, The Passionate Teacher, by Robert Fried, there is a great example of self-regulated learning that involves students choosing the curriculum for their home economics class. They were super motivated to learn what they had chosen to! #nt2t
I completely agree! It's important to me to make them comfortable not only in my classroom, but with the concept as a whole as well and develop those skills necessary to choose their learning. #nt2t
I'd be interested to see how that could be worked in while still trying to meet standards and state testing prep. That's something I definitely need to ponder. #nt2t
Keagan! I just read this! I loved the script between the author and the students and it was so easy to see that they were not only enjoying what they were learning but retaining it as well. #nt2t
That makes sense. I don't think we can just show up one day and say, "Hey, today we are going to start to be a self-directed learning classroom." That would lead to chaos. #NT2t
A2. Increased motivation, better personal learning outcomes for pros. Cons are could take longer, required content may not get covered, some Ss not prepared for or interested in the learning style #NT2t
Good to be back, Hannah. Glad you mention the olden days. Going further back, we had this from the Gurukula period. Students lived with the teacher and learnt through everyday tasks. The teacher wouldn't spoon-feed, but give vague directions the students had to interpret. #nt2t
Definitely! Especially in an english class, where students can be given the opportunity choose the books they read, and possible discussion questions. This would keep them engaged in the lessons at hand, while being given the freedom to learn the lit they want to experience #nt2t
A2) Students should be learning how to learn, and directing their learning facilitates that. A drawback is having to make double-sure that they're still meeting learning goals... which we'll explore more... #nt2t
A2. Similar to what @AbelsKeagan said about The Passionate Teacher book, self-directed learning helps to motivate students to learn. Since they have a choice and a say, they are not only enjoying learning but retaining the information as well. #nt2t
A2. I would see the advantage is its flexibility, the student can start and stop when they want. But the disadvantage is in knowing how to do it, and what happens if the student gets stuck #nt2t
A1: Self-directed learning is the freedom for students to be able to determine different components of their learning, such as curriculum, assessments, etc. Students get to choose what and how they’ll learn with guidance from a teacher. I’ve done this before by having #nt2t
Q1: Let’s make sure we’re all on the same page. How do you define self-directed/self-regulated learning? What are the key elements of this style of teaching? What examples of self-directed/self-regulated learning have you experienced? #Nt2t
A2: I would say the benefit is greater engagement by students because they are motivated. My drawback is knowing how to manage the "self-direction" for 24-30 students at one time in a classroom. I'm new to this idea and eager to learn because its such a big part of PBL. #nt2t
So true! If the teacher could focus more on the 'teaching how to learn', I feel like there would be more growth overall. But largely we are focusing on 'teaching to the standard', so time is short for other explorations. #nt2t
Ha, yes! Although the concept is wonderful, it's rather impractical in our modern society. Boarding schools may have tried to retain some of its essence, but some have also gone way out of line. #nt2t
That's why my favorite ages are 2-4 years old. Kids are absolute sponges! Our job as parents is to let them explore while keeping them safe. Why not carry that on to school? #NT2t
A2. A drawback to this, however, could be a very scattered classroom if it is not executed well or practiced quite enough. It would also be a bit difficult when trying to tackle enough standards in the process. #nt2t
A1: Self-directed learning is the freedom for students to be able to determine different components of their learning, such as curriculum, assessments, etc. Students get to choose what and how they’ll learn with guidance from a teacher. I’ve done this before by having #nt2t
Q1: Let’s make sure we’re all on the same page. How do you define self-directed/self-regulated learning? What are the key elements of this style of teaching? What examples of self-directed/self-regulated learning have you experienced? #Nt2t
In reading it would require T conferring a lot with Ss and Ss knowing how to discuss and digest literature with peers. Would likely mean a lot of up front scaffolding #nt2t
Great point! I think giving a choice of books would help this situation, while still giving students the freedom to learn from the book they choose. There could be maybe 3 choices, and 3 different book discussions where students can make questions #nt2t
Oh yes, as a stay at home mom/teacher, I love this stage! If I had the time in the classroom to let student's explore with a purpose, I absolutely would. I also feel that I now know better about the 'micro skills' kids develop through play/exploration (observing my one). #nt2t
Knocking on wood, but so far the curses are minimal. Ha! Seeing him figure things out is so much fun and amazing at the same time. This gives me a better understanding of a reachable goal for my classroom students. #nt2t
Hi, Julie. It was an ancient Indian system, and from what I've heard in stories, a teacher would have 20-30 students. But we're not talking about comfortable living conditions—they'd sleep in open dorms, cook for themselves, and serve the teacher in exchange for wisdom. #nt2t
Then you're in the right place! Worth discussing the added challenge of self-direction with the more kids you have (40! whoa.) At the same time... does anyone think it can help MORE the more kids you have? Once it's well established? #nt2t
Hmmm....I wonder what the "sweet spot" for choices would be. So many kids hate to read the way it is. Could options like magazines or "how to" manuals be allowed? #NT2t
A2:
Drawback: Not all students are self-starters. Some need a constant nudge in the right direction to keep them motivated.
Benefit: Students will develop their own opinions without anyone else's interference. That's an immense confidence-booster. #nt2t
Yes! I definitely feel that being able to observe my one child discovering and learning through exploration/play has made me realize what students can learn through similar methods. #nt2t
#nt2t
A1: Students given task or goal to complete within timeline; teacher is there to help guide them along the different pathways they can take to get there? Maybe
A2: Benefits of #SelfDirectedLearning: student ownership, engagement, teacher as facilitator.
Drawbacks: More planning up front. Teacher having to be comfortable letting go of control.
#nt2t#SelfDirectedLearning
Valuable point to ponder. Reading in my World History class sometimes can be a struggle. Especially when trying to implement primary source reading. #nt2t
That's why my favorite ages are 2-4 years old. Kids are absolute sponges! Our job as parents is to let them explore while keeping them safe. Why not carry that on to school? #NT2t
Q3: Implementing self-directed learning at any grade level requires being intentional. How do we introduce this concept in a way that avoids mass chaos? Does grade level matter when using this approach? #NT2t
It makes me think all the time. It just kills me when I see kids as young as 5-6 lose their love for learning/wonderment/curiosity as soon as they hit school and things are forced on them It's just wrong. #NT2t
A2: self-directed learning can allow students to move at a pace that they feel comfortable with, and can give them freedom to choose what they learn about. However, some students do not thrive well outside of structured-ness, and could get off task or behind easily. #nt2t
I want to give more control to the students, but definitely feel hesitant with all the demands put on me and worried we won't meet certain goals I have to reach. #nt2t
A1: Benefits of self-directed learning include students being interested in their curriculum because they chose it. The teacher can also learn their learning desires and interests. Students will be more confident in classroom settings that include their own interests. #nt2t
Definitely not! Not in theory, at least. :)
They prioritised life skills, meditation, and philosophy.
That's another reason it wouldn't work in modern society—they led simple lives.
We now have a lot of competition. #nt2t
A2. I think the benefit to self directed learning is the is the self interest it generates in the students. The drawbacks can be the lack of teacher/student relationship, as I had a teacher who told me to "google" any question I had. My peers and I had no support from him:( #nt2t
Interested in an SEL tool that WORKS? Follow @classcatalyst - its been designed to give S's and T's a way to raise awareness of their emotional needs and the tools to get themselves ready-to-learn.
Here about the movement at #CEC2019 January 30 in Indy #Nt2t#leadupchat
A3. I believe that it's important to ease the concept into your classroom. You could start with something as easy as giving students a variety of books for literacy and allow them to choose which ones they would like to read and go from there! #nt2t
Q2: Another roadblock teachers face is curriculum demands. Teacher feel that they may not be teaching (or perceived as teaching) the standards if they don't have a teacher-centered one-size-fits all approach.
#nt2t#SelfDirectedLearning
Q2: Another roadblock teachers face is curriculum demands. Teacher feel that they may not be teaching (or perceived as teaching) the standards if they don't have a teacher-centered one-size-fits all approach.
#nt2t#SelfDirectedLearning
My son's school had 1100 k10 students with just 2 divisions for each grade. And this is one of the better schools of the city albeit run by Jesuits. #NT2t
A2: Another roadblock teachers face is curriculum demands. Teacher feel that they may not be teaching (or perceived as teaching) the standards if they don't have a teacher-centered one-size-fits all approach.
#nt2t#SelfDirectedLearning
Early, as far as I know. But since it wasn't an examination-based learning system, they had kids of all ages—some as early as 5. And they'd stay for as long as necessary. Some even stay on to become teachers themselves. #nt2t
That sounds more like someone collecting a paycheck than fostering SDL. I wonder if relationships wouldn't be stronger as T needs to be speaking 1:1 w Ss more to be a partner in the learning. #nt2t
Q2: Benefits of self-directed learning include students being interested in their curriculum because they chose it. The teacher can also learn their learning desires and interests this way. Students will be more confident in classroom settings that value their choices. #nt2t
A3. I do think grade level matters when this approach is used. A high school student is going to grasp this way of learning a little quicker than an elementary student which emphasizes my previous point of easing in depending on how your class responds! #nt2t
Some of the newer private schools with larger funding, much steeper fees do have twin T approach with smaller classes. But the number of these type of schools is limited and mainly in large urban metropolis cities like Mumbai etc. #NT2t
A2. I think the benefit to self directed learning is the is the self interest it generates in the students. The drawbacks can be the lack of teacher/student relationship, as I had a teacher who told me to "google" any question I had. My peers and I had no support from him:( #nt2t
I don't think it has to be "teachers" but an adult who acts as a mentor/coach. Right now, as a society, I don't see that happening for a long time. #NT2t
In my world history courses, Ss select a historical theme or essential question as their lens through which to study the past. Keeps them engaged & makes content more relevant for them. SSs still read primary & sec sources & still find them challenging but no memorization. #nt2t
I definitely think that options in types of literature should be allowed. To add on to that, even graphic novels could be added to your idea of magazines, maybe for my elementary kiddos something such as Times for kids. #nt2t
Q4: Implementing self-directed learning at any grade level requires being intentional. How do we introduce this concept in a way that avoids mass chaos? Does grade level matter when using this approach? #NT2t
Q2: Drawbacks can include issues with self-discipline and time management. Teachers are able to provide motivation and reinforcement for students that struggle to learn at their own pace with different theories but self-directed learning has a more hands-off approach. #nt2t
Alas, we may never know! They learnt to tell time by looking at the sun. They implemented math in everyday life by counting the firewood used for cooking, and physics by observing the effect of magnetic poles on their bodies.
We have the internet to tell us that. #nt2t
A4: This is a great example of how self-directed learning can work. Pay attention to the prereq skill students needed: "Why Self-Directed Learning Is Important for Struggling Students" https://t.co/GFEFWiZSwv#NT2t
Hmm... the different experiences of new teachers in different parts of the world, and at different times in history... would make for another interesting chat! #nt2t
You hit on something here Madison. The drawbacks you mentioned I think are self-inflicted. Self-discipline and time management must be mastered before you head into self-directed learning. #NT2t
A3: I think grade level matters. Part of me thinks it would work better in elementary if introduced for the first time because of how middle and high school students have been classically trained. #nt2t
I wonder if this isn't why SDL sometimes gets a bad rep. There is a big difference between being self-directed (under the guidance of a teacher) and being self-taught! #nt2t
You brought up something that is vital with self-directed learning Chris, starting with an essential question. I don't think many teachers understand them, much less how to create one. I was an Intel trainer and they did an amazing job with this. #NT2t
Jumping in from a neighboring Tweetdeck column: One glimpse of teachers across time that I learned from can be found in _Teacher Wars_ by Dana Goldstein. #nt2t
In reply to
@JeremyDBond, @shyj, @s_narmadhaa, @hturk139
Though I think that teacheres using graphic novels intentionally as sources & modeling using them can help combat the (mistaken) impression some have of graphic novels as "less than" traditional novels/texts. #nt2t
Hmm, it's sad that we have to stifle personal growth that way.
Do you think that the regulations are outdated, and not revising them for the modern child's learning capacity is hurting future generations? #nt2t
Interesting that you would say elementary is a good age. I struggled with doing self-directed things with my 1st graders because, well, they are 6 and have little interest in traditional subjects quite yet. Disclosure: I was a 1st year T trying to figure it all out. #nt2t
But I absolutely agree with you that if this is going to become the norm, it needs to start with the youngest kids. The older ones are too used to 'tell me what to do and I'll do it'. #nt2t
I love it now because I get to visit places or watch PBS programs that brings all of that history to life. I see how it fits and can make connections to what is happening today. #NT2t
In reply to
@JeremyDBond, @Mister_Mize, @AbelsKeagan
I'm reminded of the projects kids do for @NationalHistory Day. My daughter's and her friend's joint project for @CTHistoryDay was certainly self-directed. We need that kind of opportunity in a range of subjects. #nt2t
In reply to
@shyj, @CHitch94, @Mister_Mize, @AbelsKeagan, @NationalHistory, @CTHistoryDay
Yes they do. The schooling is more focused on grades and percentiles rather than learning and that leads to rote learning but that's a completely different issue. #NT2t
Well #nt2t folks. It's been fun but my self directed learners are both up now (they finally slept in) so I'll have to be going. Will have to check back on all the awesome responses later. Enjoy the weekend.
I agree! Mostly because of any unperceived chaos of an elementary classroom may get in the way. I do still believe it can be done everywhere though, especially if an elementary student thinks they are being "grown up". #nt2t
Q5: It can be difficult to assess learning outcomes in a self-directed learning classroom. How can we assess learning authentically and give students an opportunity to demonstrate their understanding? What role should students play in the assessment process? #NT2t
What about working towards mastering those essential skills *through* at least semi- or pseudo-self-directed learning? E.G., Try w/support, struggle in some ways, reflect, take in feedback, try better next time w/less support. Design thinking+degrees of self-direction! #nt2t
You hit on something here Madison. The drawbacks you mentioned I think are self-inflicted. Self-discipline and time management must be mastered before you head into self-directed learning. #NT2t
I even see it in myself, having gone through the traditional schooling system. When given the freedom to choose, I am overwhelmed and don't know what I'm 'supposed' to pick. Frustrating in college, frustrating in life. #nt2t
Yeah, kind of like in China, kids know they have to excel in everything so they can compete and get into top schools globally. So much pressure on them #NT2t
It is definitely something an elementary T needs to do with intention, creating student buy-in from day 1. A plan, a routine, systems in place...within a structure, creating freedom for students to explore. A challenge for a teacher of any experience level! #nt2t
I love this approach! Especially in my college classes, it's so important that my teachers are transparent with me and I know what is expected from me. It leads to a more fair learning approach and makes me feel more connected to my learning. #nt2t
A5: Could we let students create the assessment (teacher guidance) and rubric once they understand the purpose and feel value in what they are learning? #nt2t
And you get to choose what you learn more about, what interests you. :) At so many open houses, Ps would tell me they hated history as a student but love it as an adult. #nt2t
In reply to
@shyj, @JeremyDBond, @Mister_Mize, @AbelsKeagan
Definitely outdated for today's job force. Sad thing is that this is known and acknowledged, but the powers that be won't change what is happening. #NT2t
A5. I think a great way to assess students could be to have a conversation with them about their learning experience. Especially if they are all learning slightly different things, it is a great way to use a formative assessment while truly grasping their learning. #nt2t
This is the part that I struggle with. In wanting my Ss to know what is expected of them, but wanting them to be able to help decide what is expected of them, will I get Ss that take advantage of the system? How do I counteract that? #nt2t
Yeah, and it is sad that the changes are only for those who can afford it. I know it's the way most things go, but it's the kids who lose in this case. #NT2t
It's great to have control over your own evaluation! Do you think your professors feel empowered to give students this power?
#nt2t#SelfDirectedLearning
A5: We should include them in the rubric-making process and be completely transparent about what we are assessing them on from the very beginning. An idea I learned in one of my courses that I can’t wait to implement in my future classroom is including students #nt2t
This week’s challenge: Choose a lesson, unit, or some other learning experience in which you've used a more traditional teaching approach. Describe how you'd modify it to allow for student-directed learning. Share anytime over the next week with the hashtag #Nt2t!
History was required in college and I took it the very first semester, and my attitude about it changed right away. Simply being in charge of my learning by being in college, where I had a choice to be there (sorta), seemed to matter to me. Make students want to be there. #nt2t
In reply to
@CHitch94, @shyj, @Mister_Mize, @AbelsKeagan
Yes, exactly! I think students can choose their type of literature so that they can engage themselves! Hopefully their school media center will have many of these options. #nt2t
Can you set some baseline expectations (yours) and have them develop additional assessment criteria? With your final approval of course. Even the rubric development can be a feedback/revision loop.
#nt2t
That is something, in hindsight, I absolutely should have done in 1st grade. Making the expectations clear from the beginning of every unit is helpful to them and me, so we have an end goal in mind together. #nt2t
Lot of "ifs," but if we do have that system, children would be a lot independent. Imagine boys being self-sufficient and ok with vulnerability. We may not have such a patriarchic society.
But in all reality, that system is impossible with modern childhood safety laws. #nt2t
A5 I've seen a low ceiling on learning in most cases when assessment process is done *to* students. I'm still exploring where or if there's a ceiling when assessment process is done *with* students. Prepositions matter.™ #nt2t
One thing my professors do when using this approach is tell us what they are needing us to learn during the semester and then, together, create a rubric for individual assignments. We know what is expected and then collaborate on how to accomplish it! #nt2t
In upper grades, this would absolutely work and is definitely doable. With 6 year olds...I'm not sure. I would love to talk to/observe teachers who have implemented SDL in K-1 classrooms! #nt2t
A5: in parent-teacher conferences. They get to lead the conversation and talk about what they’ve done well throughout the year and what they could have improved on. This idea encourages their growth and let’s them take charge of their own learning. Parents will get more #nt2t
My PBL team ELA teacher told me she became a history minor because she developed a love of history in college, despite hating it in grade school. #nt2t
In reply to
@JeremyDBond, @CHitch94, @shyj, @AbelsKeagan
Eric, I think this is a great approach! In my college classes, we are learning about choices within limits, so that students feel free without doing anything we as the teacher would dislike #nt2t
In reply to
@SantosTechCoach, @hturk139, @MissSydneyOK
My kids have enjoyed gym thus far but I think it is b/c it is more focused on fitness including weight training and lifetime sports rather than dodgeball and just running. #nt2t
In reply to
@JeremyDBond, @shyj, @Mister_Mize, @AbelsKeagan
Yes, it can be enjoyable if focused on helping Ss see how the past informs the present & how we can learn from past events to better understand current situations. Help them see how they can use skills in other situations. #nt2t
In reply to
@Mister_Mize, @shyj, @JeremyDBond, @AbelsKeagan
Thank you all, new and old, for joining us this morning! It was a great conversation. See you all back here again next week, same time, for another engaging education conversation! #nt2t
Transcript of this chat will be posted shortly.
I would say we use a mixture of approaches and theories in my courses but you’ve brought an interesting point to my attention. I haven’t received a lot of the self-directed learning approach in college courses. It’s more of “here’s what you need to know.” #nt2t
I think even giving 6 year olds two choices would help in this case. It still lets them believe they have a say, without compromising too much from the teacher. However, I have only seen this as a discipline type practice, so I would be interested to see it in curriculum #nt2t
In reply to
@hturk139, @SantosTechCoach, @MissSydneyOK
Definitely Brian since I think these skills will always need to be revisited. Would hope they would be started in elementary school as well and continued through high school. #NT2t
