Collaborative Student-Led Learning

I read an article recently on Edutopia called Boss Level: Collaborative Student-Led Learning at Quest to Learn by Rachelle Vallon.  I am so intrigued by the idea of turning over learning to the students and see what kind of progress they can make together.  In her article, Vallon explains what Boss Level is:

"Boss Level is an informal creative learning structure where students create and execute a complex project that requires them to apply the knowledge they have gained over a trimester. They incorporate skills and concepts related to Common Core, SEL and 21st Century Skills areas, which creates opportunities for teachers to assess some otherwise difficult-to-assess skills. For two weeks at the end of every trimester, normal classes are suspended while the whole school participates in the Boss Level design challenge, and students effectively become experts, teachers and learners in a complex problem-solving space."  (Vallon, Nov 2013)

What an exciting opportunity to be a part of, not only as a teacher but as a student too.  I feel like sometimes we, as educators, get stuck in our "old ways" and teach traditionally, when maybe it is time that we turn the focus on projects based learning and student-taught outcomes through trial and error.  I seriously would love to have my students collect all sorts of materials at home, bring them to school, and take a day of two to develop a Rube Goldberg type project...just to see what they could do with it.  They really might surprise me!

For more information, check our Rube Goldberg and Quest to Learn.

Vallon, Rachelle.  Boss Level: Collaborative Student-Led Learning at Quest to Learn. Edutopia. Online Article. November 12, 2013.  Retrieved on 19 Nov 2013.