MOTIVATE YOURSELF -ARTICLE -MUST READ --------------: Nittika Ranjan
FOCUS ON SELF STUDY
Learning
independently can be challenging, even for the brightest and most motivated
students.
As a means of better understanding, the processes involved in
this mode of study, this Teaching
Tip outlines key components of four key stages to independent learning,
known as self-directed learning: being ready to learn, setting
learning goals, engaging in the learning process, and evaluating learning.
Step 1: Assess readiness to learn
Students need various skills and attitudes towards
learning for successful independent study.
This step involves students conducting a self-evaluation of
their current situation, study habits, family situation, and support
network both at school and at home and also involves evaluating past
experiences with independent learning.
Step 2: Set learning goals
The student should set their goals. Not to be distracted due to the
availability of an abundance of time. Must be directed on the right channel to hit
the bullseye.
Step 3: Engage in the learning process
Students need to understand themselves as learners in order to
understand their needs as self-directed learning students — referring students
to our resource on learning, preferences may be helpful.
Students also need to understand their
approach to studying:
- A deep
approach to studying involves transformation and is ideal for self-directed
learning. This approach is about understanding ideas for yourself,
applying knowledge to new situations and using novel examples to
explain a concept, and learning more than is required for unit
completion.
- A surface the approach involves reproduction: coping with unit
requirements, learning only what is required to complete a unit in
good standing, and tending to regurgitate examples and
explanations used in readings.
- A strategic the approach involves organization: achieving the highest
possible grades, learning what is required to pass
exams, memorizing facts and spending time practicing from
past exams.
Step 4: Evaluate learning
For students to be successful in self-directed learning, they
must be able to engage in self-reflection and self-evaluation of their learning
goals and progress in a unit of study. To support this self-evaluation process,
they should:
- regularly
consult with the advising instructor,
- seek
feedback, and
- engage in
reflection of their achievements, which involves asking:
- How do I
know I’ve learned?
- Am I
flexible in adapting and applying knowledge?
- Do I have confidence in explaining material?
- When do I
know I’ve learned enough?
- When is it
time for self-reflection and when is it time for consultation with the an advising faculty member?
Responsibilities in the four-step process
Successful independent study requires certain responsibilities
or roles of both students and advising faculty members. The following is a
brief list of the more important roles. It is useful for both students and
advising faculty members to periodically review this list and communicate as to
whether each feels the other is fulfilling their share of the responsibility.
Students’ roles
- Self-assess your readiness
to learn
- Define your
learning goals and develop a learning contract
- Monitor
your learning process
- Take
initiative for all stages of the learning process — be
self-motivated
- Re-evaluate
and alter goals as required during your unit of study
- Consult with
your advising instructor as required.
Be true to yourself you will succeed
Fabulous article
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