Independent Learning

How to Make the Most of the Hour!

Independent Learning

Today’s AgendaAnticipatory Set

Independent Learning vs. Independent Study

Curriculum Overview

Unit Exploration

Group Discussion on Implementation

Issue Bin/ Plus Delta

Independent Learning

Anticipatory SetUsing 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