Thinkering Studio: Supporting Self-Directed Learning

Summary

The video highlights the Thinkering Studio, an elective program that encourages fifth through eighth-grade students to explore their interests through self-directed projects. Students choose their own projects, such as photography, graphic novels, or learning new skills, and manage their learning at their own pace. They plan their projects, reflect on challenges, and collaborate with peers for guidance. The focus is on fostering lifelong learning and problem-solving abilities. Through a mix of individual projects, peer critiques, and hands-on experience, students develop skills like creativity, critical thinking, and self-reliance.

Takeaways

• 😀 Thinkering Studio motivates students by encouraging intrinsic rather than extrinsic learning.
• 😀 The program allows students to choose their own projects based on their personal interests.
• 😀 Thinkering Studio fosters lifelong learning by helping students develop skills to teach themselves.
• 😀 Students in grades 5-8 participate in Thinkering Studio, where they plan and execute their own projects.
• 😀 Students reflect on their progress and challenges, learning to problem-solve and think critically.
• 😀 Teachers facilitate learning through artful questioning, helping students find solutions independently.
• 😀 Weekly journals allow students to track their progress and reflect on both successes and challenges.
• 😀 The program encourages peer support, with students helping each other with challenges like video editing.
• 😀 Peer critique groups provide students with feedback, helping them refine and improve their projects.
• 😀 Students gain practical skills in various areas, such as photography, project planning, and video production.
• 😀 Thinkering Studio emphasizes creativity, as students adapt and modify their projects based on what they learn.

Q & A

What is the primary focus of the elective Thinkering Studio?

The primary focus of the Thinkering Studio is to engage students in hands-on, self-directed learning. It encourages students to choose their own projects and explore topics that interest them, fostering intrinsic motivation and lifelong learning.

How does Thinkering Studio differ from traditional education methods?

Unlike traditional education methods that often rely on extrinsic motivation (rewards, grades), Thinkering Studio emphasizes intrinsic motivation. It allows students to choose what they want to learn and work at their own pace, making learning more personal and meaningful.

What kind of projects do students typically work on in Thinkering Studio?

Students work on a variety of projects based on their individual interests. These projects can range from photography and marble tracks to drawing graphic novels, learning instruments like the ukulele, or even experimenting with chemicals like hydrochloric acid.

How do students plan their projects in Thinkering Studio?

Students start by choosing a project idea and then use a template to plan the details. The template includes questions like the project's challenge, expected learning outcomes, methods of evaluation, and available resources for help if they get stuck.

What role does the teacher play in Thinkering Studio?

The teacher's role is to facilitate learning through artful questioning and provide resources when needed. The teacher encourages students to problem-solve independently, pointing them to other students, teachers, or online resources when they face challenges.

How do students evaluate their own progress in Thinkering Studio?

Students evaluate their progress through weekly journals where they document their plans and reflect on what they have accomplished. They also address any obstacles they encountered and consider how to creatively overcome them.

What is the significance of reflections in Thinkering Studio?

Reflections are a key part of the learning process in Thinkering Studio. They allow students to identify challenges, understand what went wrong, and brainstorm creative solutions to improve their work or try new approaches in future projects.

How do critique groups work in Thinkering Studio?

Every other week, students participate in critique groups where they present their projects to peers. Each student presents for about 3 minutes, and others offer constructive feedback, helping each other improve their work and expand their learning.

Can you give an example of a student's learning process in Thinkering Studio?

One example is a student learning Turkish, who creates pages with phrases and adjectives. Although they are learning new and harder words, they continue to revisit basic words to reinforce their memory and ensure progress.

What skills do students develop through projects in Thinkering Studio?

Students develop a variety of skills including problem-solving, creativity, self-management, communication, and technical skills. For example, one student learned video-making techniques, from voiceovers to editing, while working on a DIY tie-dye project and sharing it online.