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Self-Directed Learning Self-directed learning, or SDL, has long been a hot topic for parents, educators, and administrators involved with independent schools. It's also been a controversial one; for every supporter of SDL, you'll find a detractor every bit as vocal on the subject. But what, exactly does that mean for parents trying to decide whether or not to send their child to a school that's adopted SDL practices? The Basics Although schools have only recently begun to use SDL models, the practice has some truly ancient roots. The simplest definition of SDL is learning undertaken by the learner, with only non-intrusive guidance from educators. Also called autodidacticism, it's long been a hallmark of innovators, inventors, and thinkers throughout history. Brought to bear on modern education, it takes on a narrower meaning. The standard classroom right now strictly follows what could be called other-directed learning. Students follow curricula set, taught, and evaluated by trained educators. SDL schools, on the other hand, give a varying, but greater degree of power to students. The most famous example are the Montessori schools. The Montessori curriculum calls for "freedom within limits". Students will still receive lectures from teachers, but then have the chance to set their own learning paths, as well as assign and evaluate course work. At this stage, teachers will guide and facilitate, but not actively direct learning. Pros Supporters of SDL programs often point to several distinct advantages. First, children in these schools have a chance to develop independence, as well as personal responsibility, by designing lesson plans and assigning work. Independent schools that follow SDL are also often seen as accelerators for areas of personal interest. Children given the freedom to delve into fields that actually interest them may be happier and more engaged with their work than their traditionally educated peers. All told, SDL curricula are touted as being child-focused, rather than school-focused. Open learning plans theoretically cater to any student, preventing the "slippage" that can sometimes occur when a child fails to engage with an other-directed lesson. Cons By far the most common critique of SDL programs is that they fail to prepare students for later academic life. Many SDL schools cater to younger children, many of whom will move on to a secondary education dominated by rigid standardized testing, something totally alien to SDL schools. No matter how much you like the idea of SDL education, there's no denying this last point. These independent schools can be enormously exclusive and expensive. Even preschool Montessori programs can be very costly, making the the decision to go with them or not a potentially pricey call. Bottom Line There's been an enormous amount of research done on the effectiveness or ineffectiveness of self-directed learning. However, it hasn't produced a clear answer as to whether or not SDL is objectively better or worse than traditional education. Most studies have found that SDL students perform academically on par with non-SDL students. And while some researchers have found evidence to suggest that SDL students actually outperform their peers in science and mathematics, the effect doesn't hold true in every study. Whether or not SDL is right for your child comes down to, well, your child. Visit, let your child see it, meet educators and students alike, and then decide if it's a fit. When considering NJ independent schools, residents visit Ranney School. Learn more at http://www.ranneyschool.org/podium/default.aspx?t=151080.
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