Self-directed learning and project-based learning

Chartered College of Teaching ¬∑ Self-directed learning and project-based learning   Most students are only in school for 14 years of their lives. In that time, they are carefully guided, led and occasionally cajoled through the greatest intellectual treasures our society has to offer. Of course, we are constantly looking for ways both to excite our students about this journey and for them to conquer challenging material efficiently and with ease. During school, they have a guide through this process, but once they leave the school gates they are on their own. Questions therefore abound as to how we enable our students to become self-directed and long-term learners. Project-based learning (PBL) is often suggested as a solution: a way to excite and engage your students, to help them learn effectively and to prepare them for life beyond school. What is project-based learning? PBL resists simple definition. Over the years, many programmes and approaches have laid claim to th