Independent Learning - 15-min Teacher Guide

This 15-minute guide serves as both a theoretical foundation and a practical toolkit for teachers looking to develop independent learning in their classrooms. It provides a solid understanding of the concept and offers actionable strategies to implement it effectively.

Here’s a summary of its key features:

1. Definition and importance: It provides clear definitions of independent learning and independent learners, emphasising why these skills are essential for 21st-century education.

2. Evidence-based approach: The guide is based on a review of over 200 educational research papers, giving teachers confidence in its recommendations.

3. Key skills overview: It outlines eight key thinking and learning skills, including independent learning, and how they contribute to developing critical thinking, creative thinking, and problem-solving abilities.

4. Characteristics of independent learners: The resource details the traits of independent learners, helping teachers identify and nurture these qualities in their students.

5. Comparison with dependent learners: By contrasting independent and dependent learners, teachers can better understand the spectrum of learner autonomy and how to move students along this continuum.

6. Implementation strategies: The guide offers practical suggestions for promoting independent learning in the classroom, including alternatives to extended teacher talk and ways to gradually transfer responsibility to students.

7. Benefits of independent learning: It lists the advantages of developing independent learning skills, such as improved academic performance and increased motivation.

8. Teacher’s role: The resource emphasises that independent learning doesn’t mean leaving students to work alone, but rather supporting them in developing self-regulation skills and taking responsibility for their learning.

9. Scaffolding techniques: It explains how teachers can use scaffolding to gradually build students’ independent learning skills.

10. Evidence-based quotes: The guide includes research-backed quotes that teachers can use for their own professional development or to support their teaching practices.