Choices Create Opportunities
by Lindsay Downing Schroeder
It is hard, for some, to understand what “learner-led learning” means. The easiest answer to their questions may be this question . . . Do you get to make daily choices that help you be productive or accomplish your goals?
School Should Echo Real Life
Personally, I appreciate managing the timing of my day, attending meetings in person or virtually, taking a walk, eating when I’m hungry, listening to music, coloring for a brain break, etc. I know I would not be successful without all those options and flexibility. Applying that flexibility and choice when raising my 2 boys has been challenging for me – not them. It’s easier when I can simply tell them what to do. However, removing that freedom from them has consequences. Those consequences often come across as “misbehaving” vs. frustration of being told what to do without choices. Nine times out of ten when given options, they pick or suggest an alternative. That gives them choice and their choice helps us accomplish our goals.
Why should teaching our children at home be any different than how they are taught at school? Why don’t we give learners more choices in their learning journey? Empowered believes in partnering with educators, families, and learners to transform education together. We, and Empowered Educators, know that while learners engage in play, activities, and projects that interest them, educators gain valuable time to observe engagement, provide guidance, and partner with students to develop a dynamic, experiential classroom culture. This allows learners to be curious and have exposure to things that appeal to them, while learning foundational skills and knowledge. It also taps into educators’ true passion: helping kids become successful.
Making More Decisions Earlier In Life
Imagine being a teen – or in your early 20’s – and loving what you do instead of, maybe, pushing through until you “figure it out” in your 40’s or 50’s. What if you never figure it out? Should you start trying to decide earlier? We owe it to our children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews to provide them a space to be curious and learn at their pace,, based on their needs.
Let’s stop asking learners what they want to be when they grow up and ask what they are excited about right now. Then let’s take that knowledge to create a space and opportunities for learner ownership, curiosity, and long-term fulfillment.
Go Deeper
If you’re interested in activities that can transform your classroom into a learner-led environment, we suggest the following, all available inside Empowered Hub:
Want more? You can use our Contact Us form to connect with an Educator Support Specialist.
