Independent Learning - Essay Example

Independent Learning Introduction Independent learning is a mode of learning whereby the learner takes charge of his learning process. It is the situation in which an individual studies alone. Independent learning involves individuals taking the initiative to identify their learning needs and formulate their own learning goals with or without assistance from other people. Independent study is also refereed to as self-directed learning (Candy, 1991). In this mode of learning the students identify and find the resources they need for learning and formulate learning strategies (Trait and Knight, 1996). They also do their own evaluation of learning outcomes. In this day and age, independent learning is considered very important for a wide range of reasons. One of the major benefits of independent learning has to do with the fact that learners are able to learn new skills which are necessary in today’s society which is changing quite rapidly (Candy, 1991). Skills gained in independent learning have been identified to being important not only at the college and university level but also in the business world and work environment. Independent Learning Skills and Development Independent learning is important if making valuable strides in like must be accomplished. Independent or self-directed learning presents the learner with the opportunity to nurture both his social and educational abilities, while at the same time, getting new knowledge through involvement in the whole education process (Quality Improvement Agency, 2008). The following are the skills that one can get from independent learning. These skills are analyzed in terms of how relevant they are to the business environment in the world today. Different aspects of independent learning have also been discussed together with how relevant they are in the workplace. Independent Learning helps one to develop organizational skills from an early age. When one is given the chance to study by themselves without assistance from a classroom teacher, then they have to know how to organize themselves so as to finish whatever they are studying on time. The organizational skills that are learned during self directed learning play a crucial role when the individual becomes part of an organization. Good organizational skills are some of the aspects that make successful businesses (Malta, Dimeo and Carey, 2010). Independent learning enables individuals to learn those organizational skills that they can carry on to their places of work. Time management is an important aspect of the independent learning program. Learners learn how to manage their time since there is no one else to arrange their schedules for them. They are normally expected to allocate a certain amount of time to studying (Candy, 1991). Time management is not only a requirement in self directed learning, it is also very important in the modern business world and in the private lives of individuals as well (Trait and Knight, 1996). Time management skills that individuals learn from their independent learning may come in handy in their places of work. In today’s business environment, time is equated to money and any second wasted is like wasting money. Proper time management is therefore vital aspect of any successful business (Quality Improvement Agency, 2008). A person with time management skills has a lot to contribute to an organization than one who has no time consciousness. Independent learning also enables people to develop self independence. When individuals have to learn by themselves, they normally do not have external assistance or someone they can rely on for help (Quality Improvement Agency, 2008). This makes them develop independence as they have to formulate their own learning strategies and determine their own learning outcomes. In other words, people who go through independent study have a level of self reliability which may come in handy in their places of work (Malta, Dimeo and Carey, 2010). The business world needs people who are reliable and to be reliable one has to have some level of self independence. Reliable people can be relied on to execute business operations without having to rely on external assistance. Apart from autonomy, independent learning also emphasizes on confidence and reflection. Through reflection learners are bale to think about the best learning strategies that may work for them (Trait and Knight, 1996). Reflection enables individuals to develop deep thinking capacities which are essential in the modern business environment. Reflection is what enables people to come up with innovative ideas which can be transformed into ground breaking innovations for organizations. Confidence in the workplace is also important as it enables individuals to work fearlessly in their endeavors to make their organizations successful (Beitler and Mitlacher, 2007). Independent learning also creates responsible members of society who are empowered to tackle any challenges that may come their way, at work or even in their private lives. One important aspect of independent or self-directed learning is the fact that it is an instrumental kind of learning (Malta, Dimeo and Carey, 2010). This means that it is a task oriented learning experience that enables the learner to be focused on problem solving. This kind of learning is crucial in enabling individuals to develop practical problem solving skills which they can use at their places of work and also in their everyday encounters. Another important aspect of independent learning is that it is a dialogical kind of learning. Dialogical learning enables individuals to be in control of their communication. It also helps learners to know and understand various methods of communication that can be used among and between individuals (Candy, 1991). When an individual is able to understand and appreciate the different communication methods that are available to him, it will be easy for him to communicate even while at his place of work. Clear communication is very important in the success of business in today’s highly competitive world (Quality Improvement Agency, 2008). A company that has a workforce that has great communication skills is placed at a better position in the market than one whose employees lack communication skills. The third and equally important aspect of self directed learning is its self-reflective nature. The process of independent learning allows individuals to understand themselves better and to know what their learning needs more deeply. This makes it easy for them to understand their learning processes, which in the long run, helps them become active learners. They are bale to open up their minds to new ideas as they continue learning (Beitler and Mitlacher, 2007). Being open minded in the business world is very important as it determines how far the individual can develop in his or her workplace. Conclusion As the business world and society continues to change, there is need for people to gain the relevant skills that will enable them deal with new opportunities and risks. One way that has been identified through which people can gain these skills is independent learning. In the business world, creativity and innovation is an important aspect and special skills are needed in order to be creative. These skills, which can be learnt through independent learning, include planning, organization, critical thinking and objectivity. When an individual is able to get these skills at an early stage in life, it is easy for him to handle whatever may come his way while at his workplace and in any situation in other aspects of his life. Therefore, independent learning should be encouraged in various levels of schooling. The stakeholders in education should put in place the right mechanisms to enhance independent learning for individuals so as to create a highly skilled society which is well equipped to take on the challenges presented by the rapidly changing work environment. References Beitler, M.A. and Mitlacher, L.W., 2007, Information Sharing, Self Directed Learning and its Candy, P., 1991, Independent Learning: Some Ideas from the Literature, Accessed 9 December: Implications for Workplace Learning: A Comparison of Business Student Attitudes in Germany and the USA. Journal of Workplace Learning, Vol. 19, No. 8, pp. 526-536 Malta, S., Dimeo, S.B. and Carey, P. D., 2010, Self-Direction in Learning: Does it Change Over Time? Journal of Allied Health, Vol. 39, No. 2, pp.37-41 Trait, J. and Knight, P., 1996, The Management of independent Learning, London: Kogan Page Quality Improvement Agency, 2008, Independent Learning and the Expert Learner, Accessed 9 December: http://tlp.excellencegateway.org.uk/tlp/xcurricula/el/assets/documents/independent_O.pdf Read More