I like your ideas related to inplementing the SSDL model within your teaching environment. Providing students with guidelines but the freedom to explore topics and create projects that align with their own interests and passions. This ensures that students will stay engaged as they get to dive into topics they are interested in learning more about. Getting students to present and lead activities on their topics is also a great idea so that can share their knowledge and passion with the rest of their classmates as they get to create something they are proud of and motivated to work on.
Allowing for independent learning also prepares students for the real world. Someone is not always there to hold your hand, so it is important that educators teach students from an early age to take initiative of their own learning and development, seeking opportunities to further their understanding and explore their interests.