Why Student-Directed Learning?

WHY SDL?

·      We learn best by doing, not by listening.

·      We learn when we want to learn.

·      Finding “the flow” is more important than ANY content.

·      Reproducing “the flow” is key to learning/living (and loving learning and living).

·      The learning is cognitive-based, not content-based.

·      SDL is transformative learning.

WHAT YOU MUST KNOW UP FRONT ABOUT SDL:

·      We will make mistakes. We must do so fearlessly.

·      You have permission to take control of what and how you want to learn.

·      You will determine how you want to be evaluated.

·      This is an experimental class.

·      SDL is supported by ACSD administration.

YOUR TEACHER’S FEARS:

·      What if this doesn’t work?

·      What if we don’t get the paper/yearbook produced?

·      What if no one wants to do the things I think they should?

·      What will I do if people play games and tweet all hour?

·      What if this feels like complete chaos?

·      What if this class sucks all my energy and I have none left for teaching Comp?

YOUR TEACHER’S HOPES:

Þ   This is exactly the way I’ve always wanted to teach.

Þ   I have fantastic students signed up for JP.

Þ   SDL “fits” JP perfectly.

Þ   I have some really good ideas for “sunlight and fertilizer.”

Þ   SDL gives us permission to UNLEASH our learning—see how far it goes!

GUIDELINES FOR 408 SDL

1)   You must be excited to come into this room to work each day. If you are not, we need to figure out why. This room MUST be yours.

2)   Berryhill’s job is to help you find your interests, think about how to make decisions, and understand how to approach a problem.

3)   This is a garden of learning. Berryhill provides sunlight and fertilizer. You are responsible for stretching your roots.

4)   JP is an apprenticeship: Learn by doing with help from mentors.

5)   Let Berryhill know where you are and what you’re doing at all times.

6)   If you’re going to be late/absent, text Berryhill.

7)   Be kind; be polite.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Þ   We have the responsibility of publishing and promoting AHSneedle.com.

Þ   We have the responsibility of producing and promoting the Javelin.
We have the legal responsibilities associated with producing student press.