Self+Managed+Learning+Model

June went to the Self Managed Learning Model - how to create Independent Learners in your classroom presented by Sharra Martin and Kate McKinney of The Alfriston College.

The discussion was about creating an effective learning environment for the students that stimulates them and gives the learner choice - helping them to increase engagement.

Independent Learning is about increasing learning choice for students - when where, how and how they will demonstrate what they have learnt. Students are pre-tested prior to engaging in the learning for a topic The focus is on the interaction with the content

The teacher (Learning Leader) - is mentor, facilitator, guide, resource person,

The Key Competencies - Caring, Creative, Collaborative, Curious, Enterprising, Persevering, Reslient, Thinking and Wise underpins the programme

The model runs through the school from Year 9 to 13. Year 9 & 10 - Learn to Learn - Thinking Skills, Study of how to learn etc Year 10 - Independent learning within the class Year 11 - Independent Learning and Licience to Learn Programme Year 12 - Licience to Learn programme - Independent Learning Centre time & Provisional Licience to Learn Year 13 - Independent Learning Centre time & full Licience to learn

Class time is in 100 minute blocks

Reflection and self evaluation is a central part of the model. With Goal setting each term - review of goals did the student achieve the goals - why or why not etc

Class reflection every 4 weeks at Year 12 and 13

Accelerated Learning Model based on - Connection; Activation; and Demonstration

The Self Managed Learning is Self paced with student choice being an important part of it

Teachers sign Commendation Cards for students - when they receive 20 a letter is sent home etc

Key Competencies - Caring, Creative, Collaborative, Curious, Enterprising, Joyful, Persevering, Resilient, Thinking and Wise underpin the learning process

A topic of work may include: Big Ideas, Learning Tasks where students have choices, Additional Learning Tasks, Testing Understanding - practice assessment -, Helpful hints and reminders, Some questions to help students decide if they are ready for the assessment, and finally Reflection on their learning - 3 things I now know, 2 questions I have, 1 thiing I would like to know more about.

Students were given a choice in the way they learnt - textbooks or computer based programme eg http//www.chemthink.com

For the Science Dept - a typical Model consists of: Break down the topic, Identify Big Ideas, Some way of connecting to the learners, Learning Activities, Some Additional tasks, Reflection /Evaluation questions, other.

Further information available from: Independentlearningatac.wikispaces.com