In this S5E15 Schoolutions Teaching Strategies conversation, join me with teacher and author Sarah M. Zerwin as she shares strategies from her book Step Aside: Strategies for Student-Driven Learning with Secondary Readers and Writers (Illustrated by Jane Zerwin).
š The Driving Course Metaphor: Student-driven learning isn't about abandoning studentsāit's like teaching someone to drive. You don't toss them the keys; you sit beside them, teach the rules, create a safe course, and strategically step back while staying present.
š The Power of the Humble Post-it Note: Discover how Original Thought Annotations (OTAs) using simple sticky notes can revolutionize student engagement, classroom belonging, and student motivation. Students write "I noticed... I think..." and build complex thinking from small observations.
šÆ The Three Step Meaning Making Process:
1ļøā£Start Small (notice details through OTAs)
2ļøā£Seek Connections (through rambling writing and discussion)
3ļøā£Take Action (apply thinking to authentic work)
Resources:
CHAPTERS
0:00 Introduction: Working Harder Than Your Students?Ā
1:00 Meet Sarah Zerwin and Step Aside
3:00 Parker Palmer & The Third ThingĀ
5:00 The Driving Course MetaphorĀ
8:00 Phantom Policies We Don't NeedĀ
12:00 Collaborating with JaneĀ
15:00 The Humble Post-it Note RevolutionĀ
17:00 Original Thought Annotations (OTAs)Ā
20:00 Building Thinking from Small ObservationsĀ
23:00 The 3-Step Meaning-Making ProcessĀ
26:00 Start Small: What Students NoticeĀ
28:00 Seek Connections: Rambling & DiscussionĀ
32:00 Take Action: Thinking into LearningĀ
34:00 Evolution from PointlessĀ
36:00 Learning ProgressionsĀ
38:00 Student-Generated Goals Using AIĀ
42:00 Lightning Round
44:00 Misconceptions About Student-Driven LearningĀ
46:00 Where Can You Step Aside?Ā
48:00 Final InvitationĀ
When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.
