I have been a high school experiential educator for over a decade, and my dominant approach has been self-directed project-based learning. Students design and execute their projects from start to finish with my guidance. But it's not perfect. That is the reality.
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 Student-led project-based learning doesn’t have to be difficult, expensive, challenging, or time-consuming to set up.
Self-directed PBL is, however, a very unique learning experience, and the classroom or homeschool should be set up in a way that is conducive to self-direction and the distinct elements of project-based learning. There are not specific classroom project-based learning materials required for student-led PBL, but I do have some suggestions for general supplies that do nurture these experiences. Let’s dive in.  What is experiential learning anyway? How is experiential learning defined? What does K12 classroom experiential learning look like? What are the characteristics of experiential learning? What are examples of experiential learning? What are experiential learning activities? Why is experiential learning important and what are the benefits? I get these questions a lot.
 "I would love to start teaching project-based learning to student-led learners, but I'm a beginner and I'm feeling really uncertain and overwhelmed by the learning curve".
I get this comment in my inbox quite often and my response is always that you have to start student-directed project-based learning somewhere. You might as well start now and with a few tricks of the trade in your back pocket. 
What is project-based learning? What is self-directed learning and how is self-directed project-based learning different than standard PBL? Why is self-directed project-based learning important for learners?
Get your answers! Start here. Six Essential Components of Project-Based Learning Design that Effectively Deepen Learning7/14/2024 
Project-based learning is powerful and potentially life-changing for learners, offering them the chance to experience deep and meaningful learning experiences while also building essential skills. There are components of project-based learning, however, that maximize the potential for impactful experiences. Let's take a closer look at those components.
What are the essential project-based learning steps, especially those steps involved in student-directed PBL?
Self-directed project-based learning is an awesome learning experience for everyone, giving students choice and voice in the PBL design and execution processes. But what steps do they need to take? What steps do YOU need to take as a facilitator? Read on! 
If you were to ask me, "How can I make my high school summer school class fun, engaging, and personally meaningful?" (and not just for the kids), I would say to make personalized, self-directed project-based learning the foundation of your high school summer school class! Why? Let's take a look.
 How do you engage students at the end of the year? Ahhhh one of life's biggest questions!
I don't know about you, but my high school students are ready to be done after spring break, and it SHOWS big time. What do I do about it? How do I engage them at the end of the year? I let them choose from some of their favorite experiential learning activities. 
What are self-directed learning strategies that empower learners and promote agency? This is a popular question among educators that have an interest in self-directed learning and know the benefits, but aren’t sure about how to go about incorporating self-directed learning strategies in their classroom or homeschool.
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Blog IntentTo provide innovative educational resources for educators, parents, and students, that go beyond lecture and worksheets. AuthorSara Segar, experiential life-science educator and advisor, curriculum writer, and mother of two. 
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