Week 4 - Self-Directed Learners and Differentiated Learning

An example of somewhat self-directed learning in our elementary schools are students who take classes online. A couple of our students receiving online math instruction in order to place them into middle school level classes. In fact, one of them, a 3rd grader, is actually doing 8th grade math.

PBL certainly involves a significant degree of self-directed learning. Although I haven't seen too many examples of this in the schools it is used to some degree in classrooms (and outside of them).

I think choice in learning can be a significant motivator if used appropriately. Reports and projects are most conducive to choice and self-directed learning in my opinion.

Designing lessons that allow for differentiated instruction is something that teachers are very familiar with. Teachers know that they need to allow for different learning styles and levels when teaching students.