Self-Directed Learning

As a Leader in Me school, we equip our students to become self-directed learners. Teachers have evolved from being the “sage on the stage” to the “guide on the side,” and this has removed the traditional limits and boundaries from learning. Our students are being prepared to confidently navigate a future in an unknown world.

Fairhope West Elementary learners are regularly provided with experiences with inquiry-based learning. One of the most impactful settings for this type of study is the Pelican’s Nest Science Lab. Every child is consistently exposed to this powerful and explorative learning. This occurs through engineering projects in the lab, investigations at the bay, or by engaging in direct lessons with the Pelican’s Nest Director during classroom visits.

One of our greatest successes has been learning how to appropriately utilize technology as a tool for learning. To achieve this growth, we use the SAMR model as a guide for developing high-quality lessons. This allows learning to reach a higher level that was previously inconceivable. It has been gratifying to watch our students and teachers evolve from using technology as a basic substitute to employing it to completely redefine learning tasks. Posts on Seesaw for the first few months of school during the 2020 -2021 school year reached 72,100. These posts are student driven videos and reflections.

As Fairhope West Elementary continues to transition to the next level of STEAM learning, we have some next steps in mind to help us continue to grow and improve. One way to ensure our ongoing progress is to provide more opportunities for project-based learning. Teachers from each grade level regularly collaborate to create multiple experiences for students to engage in the Engineering Design Process through PBL. At the kindergarten through second grade level, our teachers are finding the balance between the necessary focus in teaching reading skills and providing self-directed opportunities for STEAM learning. This provides a strong foundation for our upper elementary teachers to continue to develop an engineering mindset in students. The STEAM Leadership Team will continue to play a key role in providing support through modeling and collaboration. FWES will continue to grow in implementing the highest level of the SAMR model. Teachers will also have the opportunity to grow in STEAM education by entering the eMints program, obtaining National Board Certification, and continue to pursue other certifications and degrees.