Independent Learning

Independent Learning How to Make the Most of the Hour!

Independent Learning Today’s Agenda Anticipatory Set Independent Learning vs. Independent Study Curriculum Overview Unit Exploration Group Discussion on Implementation Issue Bin/ Plus Delta

Independent Learning Anticipatory Set Using your previous experience(s) with Independent Study, write down your biggest challenge with this part of the curriculum. Crumple this paper up and throw it away! We are starting fresh with this model.

Independent Learning Change in name! Learning vs. Study Afternoon vs. Evening Learning = with teacher supervision Study = on own time Independent Learning is modeling and guided practice for what should happen during Independent Study

Independent Learning Legally Independent Learning is teacher supervised time Independent Study is non-supervised time with teacher giving credit based on work completed

Independent Learning Independent Learning Modules have defined goals, defined assignments and defined structure Independent Study Modules are loosely structured to provide students with open-ended tasks to be completed on individual time-lines

Independent Learning “Independent Learning is that learning in which the learner, in conjunction with relevant others, can make the decisions necessary to meet the learner’s own learning needs.” • Kesten, 1987, p. 3

Independent Learning “Students develop the values, attitudes, knowledge and skills needed to make responsible decisions and take actions dealing with their own learning.” • www.sasked.gov.sk.ca

Independent Learning Students develop the values… Values = the accepted standards of a group Acceptable “Standards” of a learning environment • Quiet • On-task • Self-directed • Etc.

Independent Learning Students develop the attitudes… Attitudes = an opinion or general feeling about something Attitudes about learning • Worthwhile activities • Will benefit student • Good use of student time • Etc.

Independent Learning Student will develop knowledge… Knowledge = possession of information, facts, ideas, truths, or principles Knowledge gained in Independent Learning: • Relevant to learner • Relevant to learner • Relevant to learner • Etc.

Independent Learning Student will develop the skills… Skills = the ability to do something well, usually gained through training or experience Independent Learning Skills as applied to sober living • Successfully manage self • Successfully navigate recovery • Successfully cope with world

Independent Learning Make responsible decisions and take action: Decisions and actions for students: • Choose behavior • Choose module • Choose pacing • Choose learning modality • Choose to engage • Etc.

Independent Learning Teacher Role: • Continuum of increasing student responsibility for decision making • Teacher transfer of control as students exhibit responsibility • Assist students • Encourage students • Judge students’ readiness for responsibility

Independent Learning Teacher’s Role: • Know students and their needs • Foster learning that is relevant to learner’s own needs

Independent Learning Teacher must create an environment that is • Sensitive • Flexible • Self-governing • Responsive to student needs

Independent Learning Given the enormous challenges of your current classroom environment, what kind of classroom management approaches would be most effective?

Independent Learning Classroom Management • What should Independent Learning Time look like? Sound like? Feel like? • Student directed (with teacher guidance) • Student accountability (with teacher guidance) • Student valued (with teacher guidance)

Independent Learning Students must take responsibility for their own learning Students are given an opportunity to explore issues that have meaning and relevance for them (as identified by the Risk Assessment) Students move toward independence in varying degrees

Independent Learning “It is a challenge to provide the correct amount of guidance without providing too much direction. Direction is needed to help learners identify areas of difficulty but too much direction detracts from their sense of ownership of the learning project.” Raaheim and Wankowski 1981

Independent Learning Conclusion: • Teachers can help students take responsibility for their learning by providing opportunities and strategies for learning independently and by encouraging them to initiate and actively participate in their own learning.

Independent Learning Next: • Review Risk Assessment • Evaluate Needs • Assign modules

Independent Learning