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Keeping Learners Engaged with Student-Led Learning

Written by Bill Laurienti

With our approach, students are in charge of their own learning. Abigail Welch, the SmartLab Facilitator at Lincoln Christian School in Tulsa tells us:

The SmartLab HQ has given our students the tools they need to take learning into their own hands. Our students have made amazing progress in their problem-solving skills, have learned how to set effective personal goals, and are constantly testing the bounds of what is possible by collaborating on exciting ideas.

Welch’s student, Jenna, shares her thoughts.

My favorite part of the SmartLab HQ is self-directed learning. Students are able to work on things they are actually interested in and I believe having this opportunity facilitates higher student engagement. After all, it is more enjoyable to learn about things you are interested in and enjoy doing.

Bill.Laurienti
Bill Laurienti

Bill Laurienti is a Content Marketing Specialist at Creative Learning Systems. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education (English) from Colorado Mesa University and a Master of Arts in Secondary Teaching from the University of California's Rossier School of Education. Bill came to CLS after 10 years in the secondary classroom. He believes SmartLabs are important tools for engaging unengaged students and helping them access careers they might not otherwise have imagined.

Case Study

Going beyond STEM to teach essential skills

When the team at Jewell Houston Academy, a magnet school in Texas, looked for a STEM program, they wanted one that would not only engage students in STEM careers but could also teach conflict-resolution, problem-solving, collaboration, and communication skills.

Read about how the SmartLab HQ impacted both learners and enrollment.