Introduction

Acknowledgments

Chapter One: The Case for Self-Directed Learning (SDL)

Challenging Students to Challenge Themselves to Learn
SDL is Learning for Life
What is Self-Directed Learning?
How Does Research Support SDL?
The Major Principles of an SDL Program
The Essential Elements of SDL
Choose an Approach to SDL

Chapter Two: A Framework for Promoting SDL

The Five Step Process
Step One: Declaring Course Outcomes
Step Two: Providing Learning Options, Environments, and Organizations
Step Three: Teaching the Necessary Skills
Step Four: Negotiating Student Contracts
Step Five: Establishing an Assessment Process

Chapter Three: Rethinking Student Coursework and Programs

Essential Planning Steps
Determining an Approach to Course Planning
Applying Coursework to Grade Levels
Declaring Course Outcomes
Developing Self-Managed Course Packages
Student-Planned Course Units and Projects
Student-Designed Courses
Passage and Graduation Criteria
Linking Course Outcomes to Assessment

Chapter Four: Planning Lessons and Projects

Principles for Planning Lessons
Designing SDL Episodes
Creating Experience
Promoting Study
Encouraging Productivity
Involving Students in Project Planning

Chapter Five: Teaching for Independent (SDL) Learning

Developing Academic Competencies
Fostering Independent Thinking
Teaching Problem Solving Skills
Developing Investigative and Action Skills
Cultivating Organizational Process Skills

Chapter Six: Negotiating Student Learning Agreements

The Learning Agreement or Contract
The Contract Process
Negotiating Student Contracts
Sample Contracts
Tracking Student Progress

Chapter Seven: Motivating and Empowering Students

Motivation Students to Pursue SDL
Encouraging Students to Motivate Themselves
Introducing the Working Journal
Dealing with the SDL Crisis
Working with Difficult Students

Chapter Eight: Assessing Student Progress

Appropriate Assessment of SDL
Testing Outcome Achievement
Assessment of General Skills and Achievement
Assessment of Coursework
Evaluating Projects and Assignments
Student Portfolios
Graduation Transcript
Demonstrations, Conferences, Celebrations

Chapter Nine: Pursuing a Path of Excellence

The Teacher is the Key Person
Launch an SDL School to Make a Difference
Starting an SDL School
Administrative Support for SDL
Creating a Shared Vision

Appendices

Appendix 1: How Much Self-Directed Learning Are You Teaching Now?
Appendix 2: How Self-Directed Are You?
Appendix 3: The Integrated SDL Unit.
Appendix 4: Inner States of Self-Directed Learning.
Appendix 5: Guidelines, Traps & Boosters.
Appendix 6: Sample Process Templates.
Appendix 7: Support Groups of Triads.
Appendix 8: Samples of a Working Journal.
Appendix 9: Some of the Many Ways Students Can Learn.