Welcome to a bonus edition of Learning Unboxed, where we will spend two weeks revisiting innovative case studies of student-centered learning. We know that the one-size-fits-all sit-and-get strategy is not the most effective for students. Join us in moving to a system that deeply values the individual. Tune in to get inspired and walk away with tools ready to champion student-centered environments in your own community.

Dr. Tyler Thigpen co-founded The Forest School in Fayetteville, GA, and from there he also co-founded the Institute for Self Directed Learning. Tyler is our guest on the show today and shares with us key practices he has researched and used to nurture student-led environments.

We talk about the concept of mastery and how to measure it with single-point rubrics, with an emphasis on longitudinal growth. We discuss the role exhibitions and practicals play in developing student responsibility. We also get into how to create space for students to forge their character and learn how to manage conflict.

The Forest School is a model for all of us interested in education innovation, and its Institute for Self Directed Learning is a resource to help us achieve it. 

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

• How Tyler implements self directed learning at the micro school he co-founded, The Forest School.
• The importance of measuring longitudinal growth in a mastery-based environment.
• How to create an environment where kids take responsibility for their learning.

Resources:

• Learn more at the Institute for Self Directed Learning
• For more free online resources, check out Transcend 
• Read: “The Playbook for Self Directed Learning”

Produced by NOVA