Independent Learning3

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WHAT IS INDEPENDENTLEARNING?DEANNAHOUSE

INQUIRYPROJECTEDC 533


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INTRODUCTION & BACKGROUND

How often have you seen school mission statements boastingthat one of the school's missions is to create "independentlearners" or "independent thinkers"? As a rural high schoolSpanish teacher with over 15 years experience, I can'tremember once when I've seen a school mission statementthat didn't use that phrase. It's almost a cliche, isn't it?

As a graduate student in the University of Maine' College of

Education course EDC533-Curriculum Development, I wasassigned an inquiry project to investigate some issuespertaining to education and curriculum.

I began asking the following questions:


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KEYQUESTIONS:

What is independent learning? What is the profile of an independent learner? What issues are typical in independent learning

assignments? What is the teacher's role in independent learning? Howdo the student and teacher assess independent

learning?


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WHAT IS INDEPENDENT LEARNING?

Student-centered inquiry into solving a problem. In-depth learning over wide-range learning. According to Virgina Smith Harvey (Ch.1)

o Deliberate not incidentalo Purposeful not randomo Autonomous and independent rather than adult

controlled.

What independent learning is NOT:Take a look at this next group of slides Independentlearning is not going at it alone:


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A SWIMMING LESSON (1)


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WHAT IS THE PROFILE OF ANINDEPENDENT LEARNER?

Student has developed traits for independent learning. Theyhave learned to self-regulate:o motivationo emotionso behavioro time managemento cognitiono context of learning (Virginia Smith Harvey, Ch.1)

Student with positive affect towards his/her ability to learn.


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WHAT ISSUES ARE TYPICAL ININDEPENDENT LEARNING ASSIGNMENTS?

Preparation:o students need to be trained through modeling and

instruction to learn independently.o students need to have background knowledge, skills, and

habits before learning independently which can bedeveloped before or during independentlearning. Teachers need to be aware of where studentsare in this process and adapt expectations accordingly.

Enhancing Independent Living and Independent LearningPowerPoint presentation. Time management:

o On task vs. procrastination Production:

o Teachers should not expect as much paperwork.


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WHAT IS THE PROFILE OF ANINDEPENDENT LEARNER?

Student is willing to take an active rather than passive roll inhis/her learning (ICG, "Secrets of the Brain"):o Student creates his/her own learning.o Learning begins where students are at:o Everyone is a contextual learner.o Depth and Repetition Are Crucialo Students Must Organize and Reorganize their Knowledgeo Time for Reflection Is Crucial

Education should begin with a focus on students rather than on tests.Good learning has to be a process of discovery, said Mark Salkind ofThe Urban School of San Francisco. Our classes are not so muchabout the transfer of knowledge, but about students constructingknowledge for themselves.


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WHAT IS THE TEACHER'S ROLE ININDEPENDENT LEARNING? Create a classroom atmosphere which instructs how to learn

independently.o Expect setbacks as students transition from teacher-led to

self-led activities.

o Create learning showcase opportunities for students todemonstrate learning to school, community, and othereducational institutions.

o LearningWorks for Kids: Award-winning website whichdemonstrates independent and study skills for learners

through skills video game players use. Suggest and acquire resources for students.


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WHAT IS THE TEACHER'S ROLE ININDEPENDENT LEARNING?

Provide redirection and focused questionswhen learningseems to get "stuck".

Network with other educators to learn how to fosterindependent learning.

o Independent Curriculum Group: Network of schoolswhich foster independent learning.

Reduce breadth of learning expectations in lieu ofdepth oflearning.


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HOW DO THE STUDENT AND TEACHERASSESS INDEPENDENT LEARNING?

Set learning expectations and goals before, during, and afterlearning.

Be aware of state and national standards across all contentareas and develop strategies for demonstrating how theindependent learning meets these standards.o Most standards are higher order thinking so projects will

more easily meet standards. Be aware of content from Advanced Placement (AP) and

International Baccalaureate (IB) standards and developreflect on how content of learning is connected.o Advanced Placemento International Baccalaureate


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CONCLUSION:

As we head into the 21st century, it will be critical fortomorrow's workforce to be able to think and learncritically. Technology is creating powerful and exciting newlearning platforms for learners. Virtual classrooms offeropportunities for students to learn and practice skills on anunprecedented pace. The demand for educators who are ableto work with independent learners and create learning platformswill increase. Teachers need to have a clear understanding of

what independent learning is and is NOT.


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REFERENCES:

Canning, J. (2004). "Disability and residence abroad." SubjectCentre for Languages, Linguistics and Area Studies GoodPractice Guide. Retrieved 7 May 2011, fromhttp://www.llas.ac.uk/resources/gpg/2241.

Ciel Language Support. (2000). Integrating independentlearning with the curriculum. Subject Centre for Linguistics,Languages, and Area Studies, Retrieved from

http://www.llas.ac.uk/resources/gpg/1400


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REFERENCES:

Harvey, V.S., & Chickie-Wolfe, L.A. (2007). Fosteringindependent learning: practical strategies for promoting studentsuccess [Kindle edition].

Independent curriculum group: the future of education. (n.d.).Retrieved fromhttp://www.independentcurriculum.org/index.php/icg/index/

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