In the realm of education, authentic learning is the golden standard, and achieving this ideal balance between student buy-in and teacher guidance is pivotal. At our school, where we embrace the applied learning model, one essential aspect is nurturing students to take ownership of their own learning. It's this empowerment that paves the way for authentic learning to flourish.

Advisory class, a dedicated period each day, serves as the canvas for this approach. During these sessions, students veer away from their conventional core classes and embark on a journey of exploration guided by their advisory teacher. While the topics covered in advisory classes span an impressive range from culinary to music production, the soft skills they acquire are intentionally woven into the applied learning process, nurturing independent learners and proficient problem solvers.

But how can teachers encourage students to embrace this sense of ownership, especially in a non-core subject area class? Our veteran applied learning teachers have distilled this process into three key factors: student choice, starting small, and real-world connections.

1. Student Choice

"When students are able to explore something that is their own idea, they are more likely to truly explore the topic. Students have the ability to recognize when their plan isn't going in the direction they expected or to decide when the topic doesn't have the depth they had anticipated. They can decide to go in a different direction or to even start over. In my experience, when students are empowered to do that, it increases their capacity for resilience and problem-solving."

In simple terms, students don't relish being told what to do. When they have a sense of ownership over their learning, they are more motivated to surmount obstacles and hold themselves accountable for their progress. It's a recipe for cultivating motivated, engaged, and self-driven learners.

2. Starting Small

"I've taught many different Advisory subjects over the years - JavaScript coding (three years!), Archaeology, Shakespeare, Textile Arts, etc. My model has always been to start the semester by directly teaching some basic skills and then letting the students go wild with how they want to apply those skills and the direction that they want to take in their studies."

Undoubtedly, the prospect of tackling an advisory topic can appear overwhelming for both teachers and students alike. Hence, it's crucial to commence with manageable, foundational steps. You can introduce basic skills through competent adult models, online tutorials, or workshops that form the building blocks of the advisory topic. Once these fundamentals are mastered, students can then chart their course toward addressing more intricate real-world problems.

3. Real-World Connections

"Opportunities for choice of projects, use of 21st-century skills in action rather than just learning about them, providing ongoing support and reflection throughout the process, and presentation of their learning at the symposium."

Engaging students in hands-on experiences and enabling them to apply the knowledge and skills gained in their advisory class to real-world contexts is the linchpin of this strategy. Witnessing the tangible connection between the classroom and the real world fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation of the subject matter. These skills become transferable to core classes, reinforcing the importance of connecting learning to life beyond the school walls.

As an advisory teacher, always keep the end goal in mind. Remind your students that the projects they are working on in their advisory classes will be the focal point of their end-of-the-year symposium. While teachers are there to guide and support, the students will be the ones presenting their work to their parents. This clarifies that their commitment today will pave the way for an easier journey in the long run.

In conclusion, the applied learning model hinges on fostering student ownership. By offering them choices, commencing with manageable steps, and forging real-world connections, teachers empower students to become enthusiastic, resourceful, and self-guided learners. This approach redefines the educational experience, ensuring that students actively participate in shaping their own academic journey.