How often have we as educators given an assignment and told our students exactly what we expect them to produce with a specific tool in mind? I know I have. Instead, how about letting the students choose which tools to present their project with? Let them be the driver in their own learning.
Letting students have a voice and choice when it comes to their learning is the first step in us as educators becoming true facilitators of learning. Let's let our students create their own learning experiences. Instead of giving them specific instructions and one specific "car to drive with", let's give them the goal and let them choose how to navigate their learning. I did this in my own classroom the last few years of teaching and to be quite honest it was a struggle at first. I mean, when I was in school that's NOT how I learned. To give up the reins and let go of control was my biggest obstacle and it was tough to overcome it. When I finally did, however, the results were amazing. I had students using tools and methods of learning and presenting that I had never thought about before. My reluctant learners were engaged for the first time during a project. My test scores went up. All because I was letting my students take ownership of their own learning. It's not easy to do and it will be a struggle at first. But, give it a try and see how it goes. Start easy by offering a variety of tools to present a project with. Don't be afraid that you yourself don't know about the tool. Have confidence that if the student is picking it, that they will learn how to use it and be engaged in their learning. Let your students become curators and designers of their learning.
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AuthorDigital Learning Coach & technology lover. Constantly looking for innovative ways to engage students and facilitate 21st century learning. Archives
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