Students are empowered to personalize and self-direct their STEM learning experiences supported by STEM educators who facilitate their learning. (AdvancED STEM Indicator ST1.3)
As STEM educators, we know that our students' learning experiences must be both engaging and meaningful. In order to achieve this, our students must have the power to make choices and direct their own learning. While our teachers know that instructional topics are ultimately determined by our state standards, it is also possible and imperative that we use those standards as a starting point for student-led investigations. At Fairforest Elementary, our STEM educators are adept at "hooking" their students from the start of a lesson, and allowing them to wonder freely about the details that are most interesting or puzzling to them. As STEM educators, we know that what may seem to be an "off-topic" question can actually lead to discovery, and we allow for those types of discussion--and the research that will hopefully follow--rather than stressing over what these extra minutes of wonder will do to the lesson plan. At Fairforest Elementary, we know that if our children aren't wondering, they aren't really learning, and the freedom to ask and answer their own questions is of utmost importance.
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Our STEM educators also understand that student-directed learning does not mean that we are no longer teaching our students; in fact, our teachers have learned that it takes more planning, effort, and careful monitoring of students to facilitate these types of learning experiences. As our teachers step forward from the old "stand and deliver" method of instruction and work to guide our students toward more independent learning, they continue to pour countless hours into designing curricula that will truly engage their students and meet their needs as inquisitive learners. Examples of challenging and inspiring student-led projects can be found in every grade level, as well as on a school-wide level:
Self-Directed Learning at Fairforest Elementary School:
- Kindergarten: Gingerbread Man STEAM Challenge
- First Grade: World Read Aloud Day
- Second Grade: Persuasive Letters to an Author; Author's Response (artwork sent to student); E-mail Correspondence; Video
- Third Grade: Kinkajou Investigation Summary; Link to Padlet
- Fourth Grade: Genius Hour Plans; Soup Kitchen Flyer; Soup Kitchen Video
- Fifth Grade: Giraffe Investigation Padlet
- Special Education: Video: Self Advocacy
- Horizons (Academically Gifted): "Passion Pursuits" Video
How are FES students taking charge of their learning? Liam, a fifth grader, explains:
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