Child Led Learning: The Power of Choice

Here at The Code Zone we pride ourselves in the fact that we give our members the choice of what they want to work on and it turns out, lots of people out there agree! Today we’re gonna talk about some of the findings and benefits of letting children choose what they want to learn!

Providing options

 In the 2016 book Learning to Choose, Choosing to Learn by Mike Anderson, Anderson discusses many different ways in which giving choice and options allows students to work on projects and ideas in a way that is more mentally stimulating for them.

An example given is providing the task of creating a cell diagram using any artform the students could want. This provides a very similar feel to our game jams, where we give our members the task of making something to the theme we set. 

Reducing stress

 A 1993 paper by Alfie Kohn posits that allowing for choice of what to do can lead to reduced burnout and an increase in respect amongst both parties. When a child has less stress and monotony in their day to day it gives them a more relaxed approach to what they are trying to do!

For an example from us, our code card has multiple options for members to choose from, but if they feel they would rather work on something else that would be more relaxing and enjoyable, every member has the ability to do so and still be supported by our mentors!

Finding new interests

 There’s also plenty of studies and articles out there, including those listed above that giving choices provides a greater level of enjoyment for subjects, even if they aren’t normally topics they’d be interested in! 

Our STEM certified mentors agree too! They note that it makes it easier for kids to be creative and passionate about what they do!

If you want to take part in one of these sessions and see where child led sessions can take you? Sign up for a free taster session!