Self-Learning

Self-Learning

Self-learning is an emerging form of learning that has emerged due to the availability of learning resources online. Self-learning enables you to learn what you want when you want, and how you want. You drive the learning process and this tends to be more effective that instructional learning.

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.

Self-Directed Learning: A Four-Step Process
Step 1: Assess readiness to learn
Step 2: Set learning goals
Step 3: Engage in the learning process
Step 4: Evaluate learning

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