Self-Directed Learning
Self-directed learning is the ideal educational situation because the learner is truly in control of the process. Self-directedness ensures that the learning is of high interest to the learner and that he/she is getting the most from the experience. Some children find it easy to be truly self-directed, others have more difficulty and require more guidance and help.
A child, whether in school or out, should never be discouraged from learning in a self-directed manner. The school should be structured so as to encourage self-directed learning when it occurs naturally as well as to teach strategies for self-directedness to all students. These strategies include motivation, goal setting, time management, research, critical thinking, interviewing, discussing, self-assessment, etc. The most important skills children need to learn are those which will allow them to enjoy learning for the rest of their lives.
Pre-school children are self-directed by nature. The challenge of schools, is to never allow children to lose these positive attitudes and learning skills they come with. Curriculum can emerge from the interests and ideas of the students. Many students need only suggestions and encouragement from available adults and a carefully stocked learning environment that supports and motivates on its own accord.
Older students can become almost completely self-directed. They can be given curriculum outlines in child-friendly language and can create and choose their own activities to suit their interests and learning styles. The amount and kind of guidance required depends on the child's needs. Teachers need to be flexible in order to provide enough, but not too much, guidance for each student. By age 12-15, many students are able to be completely self-directed in their studies and still fulfil curriculum requirements.
In summary, encouraging self-directed learning involves:
- allowing each child the opportunity to be naturally self-directed
- encouraging children to ask questions, and helping them answer them
- providing a quality learning environment that encourages self-direction
- encouraging 'copying', risk-taking, mistakes and thoughtful 'guessing'
- teaching the skills of motivation, goal setting and persistence
- teaching the skills of successful learning, experimentation and research
- providing time for students to try new things out without judgement
- bringing to the forefront skills that people use to learn
- encouraging students to observe and discuss the techniques and work of others
- helping students to research adult lives, careers and ways of doing things
- allowing space for students to be actively involved in important decisions at school
"Education is not a form of entertainment, but a means of empowering people to take control of their lives." Unknown
"I am always doing what I cannot do yet, in order to learn how to do it ." Vincent Van Gogh
"Do not judge my intelligence by the answers I give, but instead by the questions I ask." Mark McGranaghan
LINKS:
The 16 habits of mind identified by Costa and Kallick.