INDEPENDENT LEARNING

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INDEPENDENT LEARNING Dr Andrew Thomas,
Manchester Metropolitan University Dr George
Heritage, Salford University
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ACTIVITY 1
On a post-it note Write your name table
number and Give an example of where you have
used techniques to encourage independent
learning Then, introduce yourself and your idea.
OUR RATIONALE

• Dissatisfaction (especially with dissertations)
• No recipe book of answers
• - we cant cover everything wont be
  prescriptive
• - need to be comfortable with own style
• Encourage discussion, provide some examples and
  resources, provide a forum for sharing ideas
  develop confidence to increase the use of these
  techniques

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WHY BOTHER?

• Benchmark Statements
• 4 interpretations of what independent learning
  might be
• 1. Developing self-managed learning skills
• 2. Research projects
• 3. Independent study associated with a module
• 4. Demonstrating independence of mind,
  emphasizing critical thinking skills
• Changing (and increasing student intake)
• Biggs Robert and Susan
• Diversity of learning styles
• To engage the maximum number of students

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WHAT DO WE MEAN BY INDEPENDENT LEARNING?

• Independent study 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 enquiry and critical
  evaluation.
• (Candy, 1991)
• The Paradox
• Student independence and autonomy is seen as an
  indicator of academic quality, but to achieve it
  necessitates letting go a degree of control

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WHAT ARE THE ATTRIBUTES OF AN INDEPENDENT LEARNER?
ACTIVITY 2
In groups of 3, use your examples of independent
learning to derive the three most important
attributes of an independent learner and write on
the acetate.

• Our list
• self awareness - reflective learner
• planning and management of learning -
  controlling own learning environment
• formulate your own questions
• research information skills
• interdependence - working effectively with
  others
• critical thinking
• institutional disciplinary awareness

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CASE STUDIES OF INDEPENDENT LEARNING

• ACTIVITY 3
• In the same groups, review the examples in terms
  of
• - How, if at all, are the attributes of an
  independent learner (identified earlier)
  developed?
• The extent to which different learning styles are
  accommodated.
• Nominate a spokesperson to present your findings
  to the group

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SOME TOOLS FOR DEVELOPING INDEPENDENT LEARNING

• Not just a case of GAFO!
• develop awareness in students of how they learn
• skills training and support
• negotiated learning opportunities and contracts
• self-assessment and evaluation
• group work and peer evaluation
• learning journals and diaries
• problem-based learning
• independent study modules

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INDEPENDENT LEARNING AND CURRICULUM DESIGN
ACTIVITY 4 Based on the list of characteristics
of an autonomous learner - reflect on a range
of learning and teaching approaches that might
help learners to develop display those
characteristics in your units After 10 minutes,
discuss your thoughts on your table
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OUTLINE STRATEGY

• Level One - Capacity Building
• skilling up
• establish culture of reflection and
  self-evaluation
• offer some opportunities for negotiated learning
• basics of subject discipline
• Level Two - Letting go of Control
• reduce emphasis on instructor-led approach
• more opportunity for flexibility, choice and
  negotiated study
• mini-projects
• in-depth subject discipline its development
• Level Three - Freedom to Learn
• most assessment contains elements of negotiation
• greater control over subject content
• significant piece of independent work
• challenging subject discipline assumptions
  boundaries

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WHAT BARRIERS ARE THERE TO OVERCOME?
ACTIVITY 5
Discuss the barriers and write the top 2 on a
post-it