What is independent learning and what are the benefits for pupils?

1. What is independent learning and what are the benefits for pupils?

2. Independent learning and challenge Encouraging pupils to take more responsibility for their learning and work independently is an effective way of promoting challenge This ‘bite’ will give you important evidence from a study which not only identifies the benefits of independent learning but also ways in which it can be developed successfully

3. Key issues addressed by the study • The study aimed to • identify robust and relevant research to show the impacts of independent learning • highlight the benefits of independent learning for pupils

4. Key elements of independent learning • The study found that independent learning was characterised by • a shift in responsibility from teacher to pupil • teachers enabling and supporting independent learning • a strong trusting relationship between teachers and pupils

5. Successful independent learning • Successful independent learning was underpinned by factors including • a strong ICT environment • cognitive and problem-solving skills • meta-cognitive skills (ability to identify and articulate how learning occurs)

6. Benefits of independent learning • The review found that independent learning • improved academic performance • increased motivation and confidence • encouraged more pupil awareness of ways of overcoming personal challenges • enabled teachers to provide differentiated tasks

7. Skills fostered by independent learning • Independent learning helped develop • pupils’ cognitive and problem-solving skills • meta-cognitive skills and reflection on what they had done to take responsibility for their own learning • affective skills and the motivation to learn independently

8. The role of ICT in independent learning • ICT resources • offered opportunities for self-directed learning • increased the speed of access to information • facilitated interaction between learners and between learners and their teachers

9. How teachers promoted independent learning • Teachers promoted independent learning by • building a supportive environment • providing pupils with the opportunity to monitor themselves • encouraging pupils to model their behaviour on teachers • providing feedback on homework to improve confidence

10. How schools promoted independent learning • A whole-school approach to independent learning included • support for teachers • study support by enabling pupils to voluntarily choose their learning activities • empowering pupils to self-regulate their learning

11. How was the information gathered? The authors conducted a systematic review and synthesis of evidence which included case studies, control trials and cohort studies

12. How can teachers use this evidence? • Moving from whole-class directive teaching was a key step in fostering independent learning. Taking this more facilitative role is also a key element in securing challenge. • How many opportunities do students currently have to work independently? Can you look at your planning and identify more opportunities when you can step back? • You could improve pupils’ confidence in tackling independent learning tasks by building in opportunities for self-monitoring and showing them how to do it

13. How can school leaders use this evidence? • The review emphasised the key role of teachers in making independent learning work • How familiar are your colleagues with the elements of independent learning such as thinking skills? • You could provide colleagues with development opportunities by grouping teachers to coach each other in the skills needed for designing independent learning experiences

14. Follow-up reading Meyer, B, Haywood, N, Sachdev, D, & Faraday, S. (2008). Independent Learning: Literature Review. Research Report 051, Department for Children, Schools and Families: London

15. Feedback Did you find this useful? What did you like? What didn’t you like? Any feedback on this Research Bite would be much appreciated. Please email your feedback to: research.summaries@dcsf.gsi.gov.uk