Independent Learning - Introduction

Dear Students,

     Welcome to a different learning approach! As we get closer to the end of this school year, I'd like to get you ready to a different challenge - Independent learning. Independent learning is a process, a method and a philosophy of education whereby a learner acquires knowledge by his or her own efforts and develops the ability for critical evaluation. College professors apply this approach. So better get yourself prepared.

At the end of the school year, you should be able to:

• Think and act autonomously
• Apply the ability to realistically appraise own shortcomings as a learner
• Apply approaches to self-management as a learner

Gains for the learner

• Ability to respond to change
• Transferable skills
• Different learning styles - learner can use own judgment about how best to learn
• Self-direction is motivating and leads to higher order thinking
• The excitement and pleasure of independent learning will carry over to the subject itself
• Mirrors ‘natural’ learning in the rest of life

Students and autonomous learning:

• Set their own learning aims
• Make choices over learning modes
• Plan and organise work
• Decide when best to work alone, work collaboratively and when to seek advice
• Learn through experience
• Think creatively
• Communicate effectively orally and in writing
• Assess their own progress in respect of their aims

           I will be posting all lectures here. However, it wont excuse you for taking down notes, researching /using other sources. Please leave a comment or message in the shout box for confirmation. Always use your real name.