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Student Autonomy Leads to Student Engagement and Learning


I am a big proponent of self-direction in schooling and in life. 

 I believe that when we are given the opportunities, knowledge, tools and experiences, we can direct our own lives and destinies more effectively than if we have an outsider direct us.  

What are the tools each of us need to be able to understand how to direct our own learning and lives?  

First off we need to be given the chance to practice and to discover what it is that drives us.

Deci and Ryan have spent a lifetime uncovering ways in which you can create a healthy psychological state leading to a person who can direct his/her own life.  This theory called "Self-Determination Theory" should be considered as a foundation for an education that will encourage life-long learning. This is because of the development of a healthy internal system of motivation. 

Follow this logic:

There are some basic tenets to learning that is related to the biological basis of how we learn.  

  • Learning is natural, it is a biological process that is part of our basic survival.  
  • We are always learning.  
  • We naturally seek out understanding when we have a question.
  • Motivation is the drive to understand.
  • Learning and motivation utilize the same neural pathways.


When we allow students to direct their own learning, we are engaging their intrinsic motivation networks.  Everywhere I go to talk to teachers and administrators, in the public education system, their main interest is in discovering how to motivate students.  We are in a system that barely touches on the concept of student-directed learning.  

  • Students do not have the chance to choose what they want to learn.
  • Students are told what they MUST know, and when they must know it.  
  • Students are not given time to follow their own interests.
  • Students are not allowed to show what they know in their own way.

These are completely contrary to engaging intrinsic motivation systems and nurturing natural learning.

PLEASE WATCH THE FOLLOWING VIDEO ON HOW ALLOWING STUDENTS TO TRULY FOLLOW THEIR OWN INTERESTS CAN WORK IN A SCHOOL.

https://youtu.be/USFJWU_7kXk

For this upcoming week I would like you to read the following article by Deci and Ryan.

https://selfdeterminationtheory.org/SDT/documents/2008_DeciRyan_CanPsy_Eng.pdf

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