Independent Learning System - Essay Example

Lecturer: Importance of understanding independent learning 0 Introduction There are different systems of learning where the teacher controls what will be learnt, the time it will be learnt and the way it will be learnt. In this systems, the teachers are responsible for most of the decisions that affect the students and they start almost all the conversations. Therefore, the teachers have a role that is active while the students adopt a more passive role to create a form of education that is teacher-centred. In the education systems of the West, this situation is not seen since the students and at the centre of the education and the instruction course. The role of the teacher is to simply guide and support the students but not direct them on what, when and when to do things. This makes Western education student centred as the students adopt a more active role in the education process while being expected to be independent learners. Independent learning therefore gives the students the responsibility for their studies and learning so that they can depend on themselves to succeed in their education (Richardson and Morgan 17). The learners are not wholly reliant on their teachers to be able to do well in their schoolwork. The promotion of independent learning encourages and enables the students to develop self-direction in their learning process and be autonomous while being in charge of their learning. 2.0 Importance of understanding independent learning Among the main duties of a good school is providing a setting in which the young individual can learn how to study on their own. Learning how to learn is an intricate process that involves the students taking responsibility and taking up their role in the educational experience. The students should be able to understand that schooling is not judged by the great lessons given by the teachers but by the pupils themselves being able to learn and understand things. Independent learning is vital since it makes the students more creative and increases their intellectual creativity. It makes the people who are going through the learning experience more active rather than passive since it involves finding solutions rather than being directed at the answers. This approach creates a situation where the students want to study more since they understand more instead of taking a utilitarian position and assuming that learning is simply for passing exams. Teachers are acquire new roles which are founded on the process-oriented teaching when independent learning is promoted. While making sure that the students are involved in the learning process, it also makes them lifelong learners. Efficient and independent learning is highly dependent on the interactions that take place between the student and the teacher. Independent learning becomes more successful when it is applied across the entire school and the teachers have the support of the senior management. In fact, when these valuable elements blend, the effect of independent learning is positive and many scholars are of the opinion that the introduction of independent learning has led to better test scores and far-reaching benefits for students (Harvey and Chickie-Wolfe 32). The said benefits have a particular impact on specific groups of students like boys and girls, gifted students, those with educational needs as well as the ones that have suffered exclusion socially. Being able to understand the process of students and pupils learning in regard to concepts of cognizance and their practicability is important in developing approaches that will improve the capability of independent learning. Apart from the processes involved, education theories must demonstrate outcomes that are beneficial in their practical applications. The outcomes of independent learning have demonstrated significant positive effects on measurable performance associated with the learners. Nevertheless, it is quite impossible to divorce the achievements gained through independent learning from the ones that may be associated with another factor or a mixture of factors. Majority of the institutions in England and wales consider the progress of the students’ independent learning abilities as an important component of the progressive plans created by the institution. However, there is no clarity in regard to what is meant by independent learning, the manner in which it functions in practice and the best way for teachers to foster it. There are also queries that associated with the issues of advantages as well as challenges that are linked to independent learning and how it can be developed to become more inclusive. In order to promote independent learning successfully, the learning setting must receive wary responsiveness that will focus on the connection between the educators and the learners as well as the physical setting and assets that exist in it. This affects the level and content of any guidance that is offered by the teachers to their students. Educators can be assisted in the promotion of independent learning to their students by means of an appreciation of the simulations and concepts of education that are critical to effective learning. This is important in the initial training of the teacher as well as continuous professional development concerning the curriculum and guidance. 3.0 Conclusion The part played by teachers in helping the students to learn how they can become independent learners is an important one, as the students cannot become efficient independent learning on their own. So that independent learning can be successful, the whole school needs to adopt the approach while suitable support is required for the head teachers and the management. Teachers are also supposed to assist the students, as they develop to become independent learners who are able to think critically. This means that teachers to support students in learning about the skills linked to independent learning as well as critical thinking. Teachers should also make sure they do not give mixed messages to the learners of get them confused through using methods of teaching that are not centred on the students. The teachers should make sure the students in their classes understand the concept of independent learning even before they start promoting the concept. The student should have an awareness of the different learning strategies they can utilize so that they can further develop their independent learning. Finally, for independent learning to be successful, the teachers must be approachable and be able to provide academic counselling to the students to ensure they understand how they can achieve independent learning. Works cited Harvey, Virginia Smith, and Louise A Chickie-Wolfe. Fostering Independent Learning. 1st ed. New York: Guilford Press, 2007. Print. Richardson, Judy S, and Morgan, Raymond F. Reading To Learn In The Content Areas. 1st ed. Belmont, Calif.: Wadsworth Pub. Co., 2008. Print. Read More