independent learning

Characteristics of independent learners

1.Curiosity - Independent learners want to

find out more about the world. They seek

out ways to explore.

2.Self-motivation - Forget bribery.

Independent learners are motivated by

setting internal goals to achieve. They are

driven by their own personal achievement.

3.Self-examination -

Where have you been

and where are you

going? Independent

learners know how to

evaluate themselves.

They can see their

strengths and

weaknesses.

4.Accountability - Responsibility means knowing what you have to do and doing it without anyone telling you to. The sooner a student becomes responsible for consequences, the less dependent he will be looking for outside sources for discipline or motivation.

• 5.Critical thinking - Independent learners think

critically of a situation. They examine all

possibilities and often come up with multiple

solutions. They don't just memorize. Rather they

ask "why?" and formulate answers based on

real-world observation and intelligent deduction.

• 6.Comprehension with little or no instruction - Independent learners have an uncanny ability to read, visualize, or kinesthetically instruct themselves. No matter the topic or subject studied, an independent learner will find ways to understand material through application (generally trial-and-error).

• 7.Persistence - Independent learners don't give

up. They strive to understand a concept as much

as possible on their own before asking for help.

They also apply self-discipline in not finding the

easy answer to a problem. They teach

themselves and generally only ask question

after failure to find a solution on their own.

Dependent learners Independent learners

• rely heavily on the teacher • are self-reliant

• cannot make decisions about their learning • can make informed decisions

about their learning

• do not know their own strengths and

weaknesses

• are aware of their strengths and

weaknesses

• do not connect classroom learning with the

real world

• connect classroom learning with

the real world

• think that the teacher is wholly responsible

for their learning

• take responsibility for their own

learning· know about different

strategies for learning

• do not know the best way to learn

something • plan their learning and set goals

• do not set learning goals· will only work

when extrinsic motivators such as grades or

rewards are offered

• are intrinsically motivated by

making progress in learning

• do not reflect on how well they are learning

and the reasons

• often reflect on the learning

process and their own progress

How can teachers help their students become

independent and lifelong learners?

• Discuss the assignment to

ensure he or she understands what is required.

• Have the student work independently first before turning to you for help.

• Teach your students to be resourceful.

• Provide guidance, not answers.

* The teacher sets an open ended task which the children can address in anyway they like, using their preferred learning style. So they might create an information poster, they may write a story or they could make a model and take photographs of how they go to the end result.

Student's role

Why we want our students to become

Indepndent learners?

• Social Skills: • Contributing : the ability to make relevant contributions

(spoken and actions) in group situations

• Working with Others: the ability to work collaboratively as a contributing group member

• Group leadership: the ability to take a leadership role within group situations

• Conflict management and resolution: the ability to manage conflict in group situations and find solutions.

• Thinking Skills: • Identify Purpose: Be able to identify the purpose for

reasoning.

• Evaluate Evidence: Recognise and evaluate evidence offered to support claims.

• Identify Opinions: identify fact/opinions and the chain of evidence, inference, assumptions and biases that may be involved

• Develop and critique arguments: Develop and critique arguments to promote, defend or critique a point of view.

• Make Decisions: ability to make appropriate decisions considering relevant implications and consequences.

• Ask relevant questions: ability to ask a range of relevant questions

Self Management Skills:

• Goal setting: The ability to set realistic, relevant, challenging and manageable goals

• Time and resource-management: the ability to manage their own time and resources

• Focus: the ability to focus on the task in hand and work through distractions

Information Skills: • Recognise information need: ability to recognise their

own lack of knowledge and the need to obtain further

information or deepen their understanding.

• Ask relevant questions: ability to ask a range of relevant

questions.

• Recognise and select appropriate sources: ability to

choose appropriate information sources.

• Use a variety of sources: ability to use a wide range of

sources to find needed information.

• Apply information: the ability to apply information to meet

the original need, build appropriate understanding or

solve the initial problem.

What makes a good Independent Leaner?

Follow the B's rule:

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