How can you teach students to monitor their own progress in self-directed learning?

The key is building relationships of trust, not hierarchy. When students feel respected and empowered, they take ownership and direct their learning. My role is providing guidance, not control. With autonomy and support, students meet high expectations, gaining self-direction and discipline. I aim to nurture self-belief so they pursue growth long after leaving my classroom.

1. There's an interesting question here about what is meant by 'self directed learning' (SDL). I think that teacher directed learning (TDL) / SDL is less of a binary distinction and more a spectrum between extreme poles (which are rarely used). 2. In well designed learning, assessment should relate to learning outcomes and assessment criteria. Whether formative, summative or self-assessment. 3. Where the framework for SDL is really free, and students create their own learning outcomes / assessment criteria ensure they are well formed. 4. Balance students' self perception by drawing upon your perceptions and those of other students. 5. Stress why this form of learning is important to students, so they understand why they are doing it.

First, learning how to get organized and stay organized is crucial. Start by sharing practical tips to help people achieve and maintain order, making it easier to follow through with other methods and suggestions. 2 / 2

In my experience, providing checklists or portfolio templates for learners is really invaluable. This gives them a really clear task to do, helping them track their own progress and reflect throughout the program.

I've found success building accountability through one-on-one mentorship. Pairing each self-directed learner with a mentor teacher provides personalized guidance and regular check-ins to discuss progress. Whether meeting virtually or in person, this scheduled facetime keeps students feeling connected and gives them an opportunity to vocalize their learning goals.

One thing I've found helpful is creating a dedicated online community where learners can share updates, ask questions, post their progress reports, etc. This not only allows them to learn from each other, but also helps them hold each other accountable so they stay on track. Fostering a culture of collaboration and communication is really valuable.

In my class students must earn an 80% or above to have a lesson considered as mastered. If students do not master a lesson they go through a feedback and revision process before reassessing. I provide them with feedback so they can understand where the gaps in their learning is. From there I can direct them to what they should do to fill the gap before reassessing. Once students feel confident in their relearning, they take the assessment again. Sometimes the reassessment is the same thing, sometimes it is a new version, and sometimes I reassess them verbally. Each situation is unique, but it is an important part in self-directed learning to create better ownership.