2. Contents
1. Elements of Independent Learning
2. Theories of Independent Learning
3. Approaches to Independent Learning
4. Principles of Independent Learning
5. Benefits of Independent Learning
6. Challenges of Independent Learning
7. Activities to promote Independent Learning
3. Elements of Independent Learning
Planning
Self monitoring
Controlling the pace and direction of work
Evaluation
Self motivation
4. Theories of
Independent
Learning
Two main theories
Gestalt’s Theory
1. Similarity
2. Continuation
3. Closure
4.Proximity
5. Figure and Ground
Kolb’s Learning
Cycle / Styles
1.Concrete experience
2. Observation and reflection
3.Abstact conceptualization
4. Active experimentation
7. •Motivation and confidence
•Awareness of limitation and capability
•Self direction
•Creativity and innovation
•Personalized approach
•Focuses on process
•Feel Included and involved
•Develops key learning skills
•Resourcefulness
•Improves academic performance
Benefits of
Independent
Learning
8. Barriers to Independent Learning
Teacher’s Point
• Culture
• Difficulty in class management
• Level of parental support
• Poor communication
• Lack of teacher’s willingness to adapt
Student’s Point
• Lack of resourcefulness
• Lack of confidence
• Lack of creativity
• Poor time management
• Requires a great deal of self management
9. Activities to Support Independent
Learning
1. Promote divergent thinking
2. Distance Education
3. Projects
4. Experimentation
5. Debates
6. Small group discussions
7. Interactive classroom discussions
8. Peer teaching
9. Provide students with topic selections
10. In- class writing
10. Quick Recap
There are five main Elements to IL
There are two main theories, Gestalt's and Kolb’s
There are multiple approaches that can be taken to promote IL
Like wise there are several principles that can be applied to IL, three
of which are Organizational Learning, Virtual Organization and
Learning Organization
Multiple benefits to applying IL in classrooms
However, there are obstacles to overcome
We discussed about some of the activities that can be tried out in
classes
11.
12. References
Candy, P (1991) Independent learning: some ideas from the literature [Online]
Available at: http://www.brookes.ac.uk/services/ocsld/resources/independent.html
[Accessed 20th February, 2016]
Cathedral School (2014) Benefits of Independent Learning [Online] Available at:
http://www.cathedralprimaryschool.com/projects/the-benefits-of-independent-
learning/ [Accessed 20th February, 2016]
Charlotte (2013) Gestalt Theory [Online] Available at:
http://graphicdesign.spokanefalls.edu/tutorials/process/gestaltprinciples/gestaltpri
nc.htm [Accessed 20th February, 2016]
DeNeen,J (2013) 10 Reasons Why Educators Should Encourage Independent Learning
[Online] Available at: http://www.opencolleges.edu.au/informed/news/teachers-or-
facilitators-10-reasons-why-educators-should-step-out-of-the-way-and-encourage-
independent-learning/ [Accessed 20th February, 2016]
Bruner,J (Date Unknown)Discovery Learning [Online] Available at:
http://www.learning-theories.com/discovery-learning-bruner.html [Accessed 20th
February, 2016]
Sugiharto,S (1970) Barriers in implementing independent learning strategies [Online]
Available at: http://www.thejakartapost.com/node/173932 [Accessed 20th February,
2016]
13. Cont.
Ciel Language Support Network (2000) Integrating independent learning with the
curriculum [Online] Available at: https://www.llas.ac.uk/resources/gpg/1400
[Accessed 22nd February, 2016]
Coffey, H (2009) Discovery Learning [Online] Available at:
http://www.learnnc.org/lp/pages/5352 [Accessed 23rd February, 2016]
KeyConnect (Date Unknown) Learning to learn [Online] Available at:
http://keyconet.eun.org/learning-to-learn [Accessed on 24th February, 2016]
Meyer, W R (2010) Independent learning: a literature review and a new project
[Online] Available at: http://www.leeds.ac.uk/educol/documents/193305.pdf
[Accessed on 24th February, 2016]
Hamann, K. Pollock, PH & Wilson, MB Comparing the Benefits of Small-Group and
Large-Class Discussions [Online] Available at:
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/228211597_Comparing_the_Benefits_of
_Small-Group_and_Large-Class_Discussions [Accessed on 25th February, 2016]
Briggs, S (2013) Student Learning and 10 Ways To Encourage It [Online] Available at:
http://www.opencolleges.edu.au/informed/features/peer-teaching/ [Accessed on
25th February, 2016]
