Self-direction is one of the identified transferable skills that Vermont schools have been charged with addressing with all students across all settings. So what does it mean to be self-directed?  Self-directed learners continually set goals and adjust their approach to meet them. They access resources and assistance independently and maintain the focus needed for sustained work with minimal redirection. It is easy to understand why these skills are so valuable in every setting imaginable. Students who build good skills in self-direction not only achieve academically, but also become the type of employees, managers, and leaders today's economy demands. In Fact, of the qualities employers most want when hiring, almost all are closely related to self direction.  

​Self-direction will always be an important skill in the Innovation Lab and we are continually exploring new ways to build and strengthen these skills in our learners.  We have already seen some success this year. We have certified some students to use equipment independently, created video tutorials for self-paced learning, and structured learning opportunities in which every student has an opportunity to choose a project and set their own work goals. 

As the year goes on, we will collect data and student work to help gauge the progress of our program as it relates to self-direction and other transferable skills.  Self-direction is is easily assessed through observation. What does it look like? Check out the pictures below!

After the initial design, printing and finishing can take hours. Here is that process in time lapse courtesy of GEMSTV! 

Two 7th and 8th grade Choice classes were busily working in the Innovation Lab this afternoon. Check out what these Fabrication Studio and Research and Development students were accomplishing.