Freedom & Responsibility

Earlier this year

we were asked to explain how we would

increase student engagement 

in our classrooms.

I wrote that I would invite learners to showcase their learning

through a variety of methods

in order to engage multiple literacies.

And I, along with my grade team,

 have done just that. 

We have seen amazing results.

Students have been truly engaged in authentic learning

and proud of their work.

Yesterday one of my students asked me why I had been giving them so much freedom in their learning.

I immediately posed the question to the class.

They listed a number of reasons. 

One student suggested that I could give them freedom

because I know they will be responsible.

He was right. 

I must admit that once in a while I wonder

if they will really be responsible

with their time.

Today was one such time.  We explored quadrilaterals for the first time today.

We struggled with the definitions and criteria for shapes such as trapezoids, parallelograms and rhombuses.

I did not offer any easy answers or quick fixes. 

I facilitated an introductory discussion and introduced the challenge to incorporate at least one of each of these shapes in the landscaping around their dream room.

A few students searched for clarification in a math textbook by using the index.

Other students consulted an online maths dictionary on the smartboard.

As the students began to focus on their task, I wondered, "are they really getting it?"

Later I was working with a student who sometimes struggles understanding

math concepts. 

After we had finished working through some calculations from the last

math task, he eagerly moved on to planning his yard's landscaping.

I continued working with other individuals as he sketched his plans for dog pools and ice rinks.

When I checked in with him later I was so pleased to see that he had incorporated all the shapes.

He was able to identify each shape and he was happy to do so. 

I wonder

if I had not given him the freedom to explore

and express the quadrilateral concept

in his own way

if

his learning

would have been as powerful.

Giving him freedom

may have been the most

responsible choice I made as his teacher today.

What do you think? 

How do you balance freedom and responsibility in your learning community?