1. Nicole Kipar Centre for Academic Leadership & Development

2. Independent Learners and Self Study

3. autonomous learning independent study self-directed learning student initiated learning, discovery and enquiry teaching for thinking learning to learn self instruction lifelong learning Synonyms for Independent Learning Kesten, 1987

4. At its most basic level, it is “the ability to take charge of one’s learning.” (Holec, 1981) Definition Independent Learning

5. Scary!

6. Independent Learning no clear understanding of the concept used to a highly structured timetable previously dependent on teachers don’t know how to manage their time New = Scary?

7. Students need guidance

8. “ no act of learning can be self-directed if we understand self-direction as meaning the absence of external sources of assistance. Brookfield, 1985

9. Activity What makes a good learner in your opinion?

13. and how would you define an independent learner?

14. creates their own learning agendas seeks out and uses appropriate learning resources becomes proficient in their chosen area of study to a level that satisfies their own criteria An independent learner: Robson, 1994

15. sets their own goals and deadlines organises themselves and their work evaluates their use of time evaluates your work as a teacher An independent learner: QIA, 2008

16. Key Problem “Independent learning implies going it alone, unaided” (Knight, 1996) but All learning involves learners relating to new information, concepts, process – and people. (Biggs, 2003) In practice, learning is necessarily interdependent

17. “ The self-directed learner should not be thought of as an intellectual Robinson Crusoe, castaway and shut-off in self- sufficiency. Moore, 1973

18. Course Design Activity Supporting Independent Learning

19. In Groups: Choose 1 of the 2 courses: 1.Foundation degree 2.Mathematics Investigate how you might deliver the course and foster independent learning/self-study