Self Directed Learning Steps-Up in 2D

For the past month, The Columbus School 2D class was an innovative pioneer once again by implementing self-directed learning into their study space, applying it on to a project of their choice.

By conjoining the readers and writers workshop, the young students and their teacher, Trentino Parcells, have made the best use of their time by working on questions they have in a creative, fun and different way. Even though SDL was presented to every teacher by Trisha Nikrandt [Director of Learning at TCS], Parcells’ approach gave many a wider and more impressive view.

My research question was: how can I use self directed learning in my classroom to get students to improve in all areas and get them a high level of engagement and really getting them seeing that reading and writing can be super fun activities,” Parcells explained.

Many accomplished this task through research, testing, or by simply finding ways of answering their questions; few applied it with their students. Parcells previously commented on an interview how energy and effort exponentially increases when students or basically anyone worked on topics of their choice and liking.

Mr. Trentino chose to model the learning that the teachers were doing with his students.  He applied the action research model with them and opened a space for them to direct their learning,” said Nikrandt.

Each student chose a theme they’re passionate or curious about, and through investigation, they came up with a great research. Animals, machines, or simply random topics have fueled the second grader’s creativity while at the same time they’re learning about nonfiction and research methods. Through different resources the second graders will be able to transmit the concepts studied and facts on to a group of parents and staff members.

“We will be reading and presenting our posters and PowerPoints to our parents,” explained Elisa Vélez, 2D student, “I’m kind of nervous.”

The admiration towards this project comes with the pure and sincere innocence of the kids. By promoting this type of work not only on teachers but the whole TCS community [such as Parcells suggested], a great level of creativity would be enlighted and nourished throughout the children’s growth, not allowing that precious flame extinguish.

“I really like butterflies and I did not know how the process was, like when they were born, but Trent told me ‘that’s not a question’ so I created a question and this came out,” said Vélez.