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Independent Learning can be defined as learning in which the learner, in conjunction with relevant others, can make the decisions necessary to meet the learner's own learning needs. Independent Learning focuses on creation of the opportunities and experiences necessary for students to become capable, self-reliant, self-motivated while developing attitudes, knowledge and skills need to make responsible when concerning their own learning.
(2005, Understanding the Common Essential Learning, http://www.sasked.gov.sk.ca/docs/policy/cels/el7.html)
Kidd (1973,p.236) claims that independent learning can be affected by many things such as good lighting, glare and fresh air and in today’s society many programs such as "open university" and "uni without walls" are being developed for the increasing amount of at home or on the road learners. This thus means that the conventional role of teacher as instructor has now evolved and is taking on the task of fostering an environment where independent learning can be conducted. It is now seen as a teachers job is to encourage the student to take on greater responsibility of their learning witch will result in the student achieving a solid basis of knowledge and experience. In doing so ultimately the student will have a greater level of self-confidence and he or she will be empower to take responsibility for their own learning
It is important that when teaching an independent learner that it is not done in isolation but rather through the subject matter. Herber and Herber ( 1987, cited in Understanding the Common Essential Learning, http://www.sasked.gov.sk.ca/docs/policy/cels/el7.html) claims that there are 5 principle to the teaching an modelling skills of independent learning. These five principle are modelling and practicing learning skills, the transfer of responsibility from teacher to learner, knowledge and understanding of students, collaborative instructional techniques and the support and encouragement to students. The modelling and practicing of skills state that a student will learn independence through example, demonstration. modelling and practice. One this ha been achieved the responsibility is shifted onto the student where they can experience how their efforts have an effect on their education outcomes. The knowledge and understanding principle allows the teacher to work out the limits of responsibility/independence held by the student. While in university courses make student s fully independent this particular style of learning may not be suitable to primary school children and it is in this case that a teacher would exercise their understand of the students ability to cope. The collaboration instruction technique principle simply states that not all learning should be in isolation and therefore students should take some time to collaborate. Finally becoming independent is an ongoing process which takes time, patience and support and therefore teachers need to be their for students when implanting this model of learning.
Kidd, J. R. (1973). How Adults Learn. New York: Association Press, pp 236-337. ISBN 0-8096-1875-3
Understanding the Common Essential Learnings:A Handbook for Teachers:Independent learning (2005). retrived October,20, 2005, from http://www.sasked.gov.sk.ca/docs/policy/cels/el7.html
Natalie Harris 23:10, 27 Oct 2005 (EST)
