What is independent learning?

Independent learners exercise ownership and control of their own learning. They develop through their own actions, directing, regulating, and assessing their own learning.

"Give a man a fish, he is fed for a day. Teach him to fish, and he is fed for a lifetime." Independence in learning is core to an individual's growth.

1. Inquisitiveness

The greatest inventions were created through curious and inquisitive minds. Take Thomas Edison as an example when he invented electronic devices such as the light bulb; he kept asking the tough questions and went on to solve unanswered questions.

Help your child develop inquisitiveness by providing opportunities to research more into fields they are interested in as they would be more curious and inclined to ask questions to explore more. Teachers or parents can be curious together with their children or students to help model that sense of curiosity.

2. Collaboration

Coming together is a beginning, staying together is progress, and working together is success. Many great feats can be achieved through the value of teamwork.

Independent learning does not mean that collaboration takes a backseat. Independent learning and collaboration should work hand in hand. Collaborativeness shows children what it means to have ownership of tasks and take charge to ensure progress.

Parents can start by involving themselves and other children in the learning programs or routines at home. Organise group-based work or projects to help motivate children to function as a unit. Collaborative-based work also helps cultivate a sense of community and children can build better relationships with others.

3. Persistence

Children can be stubborn, but that may be a plus if they keep that persistence for learning! Through persistence will they learn never to back down and shy away from a challenge.

Giving your children or students the valuable opportunity of working independently would mould them into determined individuals. Kids can gradually learn to be persistent in the face of adversity and recognise that each failure would give them another opportunity to learn. Independent learning can equip them with the tenacity to keep moving forward.

4. Imagination

Imagination is the beginning of creation, and children are born blessed with it. Independent learning can keep their imaginations flowing. Allowing your children or students to use materials and other sources of information that are not always available in the classroom or home can expand their boundaries of imagination. This lets them explore more about the world and helps them to think out of the box. Who knows, your children may be the brains behind the unique inventions of tomorrow!

5. Structure and Routine

It can be tricky to hold your children to a structure or routine as they are supercharged with energy and are easily restless.

However, using structure and routine as a scaffolding for learning at home or in schools can actually encourage independent learning. Independent learning helps your children or students model their way of learning with that of the structure that has already been established and helps them build strong habits for managing their studies, work and their personal lives well as they grow up.

The Future is Bright

It is never too late to equip your children with the right habits for independent learning. Independence-centered learning approaches can reap benefits for the future of today's children and students who are bound to be leaders of tomorrow.