Chapter 8

We all want our students to be able to handle things independently, but it takes time for that to happen. Sometimes for this to happen, you need to provide examples for the students. This chapter’s headings guide us to understand what it is we can provide for our students by way of enhancing the independent learning.

·         Connecting with experts

·         Expanding the learning circle

·         Communicating findings

·         Let students lead

·         Extending the benefits

If we model these suggestions we can show students different cultures and adults that use these ideas as ways of learning independently. The EAST initiative model is a network of schools that using technology to “solve problems and make improvements in their communities.” This model is built on four essential ideas.

1.       Student-driven learning: Students need to be responsible for their own learning.

2.       Authentic project-based learning: Students should be engaged in solving real problems in their communities.

3.       Technology as tools: Students need access to the relevant technologies that professionals use to solve real problems.

4.       Collaboration: When students collaborate in teams to pursue authentic projects, they accomplish more than any one person can do in isolation.

This is essential for our gardening project and any other project we do. We must allow our students the opportunity to take charge of their learning and by providing examples and allowing students to use the EAST initiative model we can achieve this.