The 4th of July is just around the corner, and that means Independence Day. But think about this. If the brave men and women of our new nation hadn't had the courage to take their independence by fighting for it, there wouldn't be a day to celebrate independence, let alone a nation created by the desire for it.
As we get ready for school, I want you to assess the Independence Factor in your school. Are students independent learners? Do the adults in the school model independence in their work? Do you mostly see initiative in students pursing learning, or do you mostly see dependence in the students waiting to be told what to do next?
Here are 3 Ideas to Build Independence in your School.
Structure - Are structures in place to foster independence? When independence ideas such as C4B4Me and detailed routines are done everyday, that will foster independence.
Culture - Does the culture cultivate independence or dependence on the adults? When the followers are in a culture that celebrates initiative, inspires engagement and innovation to solve problems, independence becomes a natural byproduct in the lesson.
Strategies - Is there a risk rich, low threat environment that applauds experimentation with new strategies and reinforces acquisition of knowledge from rigorous activities and assessments? If people are afraid to try challenging things or a paralyzed by challenging work, they will never develop the independence you seek.
Independence in 1776 required deep courage and conviction from the people who decided they were willing to die for it. If we want our students and fellow educators to grow in their independence as learners, we should take the time to thoughtfully create the structure, culture, and strategies that inspire and reward courage in taking risks in learning and reinforces the deep conviction needed to pursue learning at the highest levels. When that occurs, Independence Day will be not just one day we celebrate in a year, but just a normal day of hard work in your school.
Happy Independence Day
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