Independent Learning’ is often linked with other approaches to learning such as ‘personalisation’, ‘student-centered learning’ and ‘ownership’ of learning. 

Independent learning is a process, a method and a philosophy of education in which students set their goals, monitor and evaluate their own academic development, so they can manage their own motivation towards learning. They make decisions about what they will focus on and how much time they will spend on learning both inside and outside the classroom. 

Key ingredient in independent learning is to shift the responsibility for the learning process from the teacher to the student. Independent learning did not merely involve students working alone; teachers have a key part to play in enabling and supporting independent learning though, for example, structuring group work. A student can share a problem with another student on his course or even in another discipline to find a solution. 

In independent learning environment, students are more motivated to learn and are more actively involved in their learning than those who study in more restrictive environments. 

An independent learner has many benefits such as: - 

• Improved academic performance 
• Better Decision making 
• Increased motivation and confidence 
• Greater awareness of their limitations and their ability to manage them 

A teacher can avoid the pitfalls of spoon feeding by presenting active learning methods that will encourage students to become independent learners and thinkers. 

“Spoon feeding, in the long run teaches us nothing but the shape of the spoon.” ~~ E.M. Forster. 

A teacher wants to develop their students into independent learners. In so doing, he hopes that the students can take control of their own learning – both inside the classroom and beyond. 

There are a number of practices a teacher can build into their teaching to encourage independent learning during every lesson. These include: 

Motivation, both intrinsic and extrinsic, is a key factor in the success of students at all stages of their education, and teachers can play a pivotal role in providing and encouraging that motivation in their students. Of course that’s much easier said than done, as all students are motivated differently and it takes time and a lot of effort to learn to get a classroom full of students enthusiastic about learning, working hard, and pushing themselves to excel. 

Use the power of your relationship with students to show a passion for learning. When you embody passion for learning, your students are more likely to have a powerful, positive emotional connection to learning that will inspire their motivation to continue to learn. 

It is easy to set an arbitrary goal for some point in the future; however, it is quite different to consciously choose a realistic goal to attain and develop an action plan in order to achieve it. Understanding how to set realistic goals and developing a plan to achieve these goals is essential in helping students understand who they are as learners and provides them with the opportunity to reflect upon their journey, instead of simply focusing on successes and failures. 

Support them in making a commitment to themselves to get started on achieving their goals. Assist them in affirming their commitment to organize themselves, manage their focus over time, and limit time-wasting distractions. 

Every student learns a bit differently from the next, the environment itself plays a significant role in their development. Safe learning environments translate into comfortable learning environments. They are places where learners feel at home. 

Allow students to be openly expressive and encouraging to others. In surroundings where students are willing to open their minds and actually listen to what you have to say, you can empower them to achieve their highest potential. 

Letting students teach is scary but it’s also a great way for them to learn. Research indicates that students learn better when they teach. As a teacher you’re someone who wants to help students improve their independent thinking skills. Simply telling students that they would later teach another student changes their mindset enough so that they engage in more effective approaches to learning. 

Open ended questions encourage extended responses, as opposed to yes or no, or one word answers. They invite students to reason, reflect and think. Instead of predictable answers, open-ended questions elicit fresh and sometimes even startling insights and ideas, opening minds and enabling students to build knowledge. 

Feedback is an essential part of effective learning. It helps students understand the subject being studied and gives them clear guidance on how to improve their learning. 

Feedback is information that a teacher gives to students that helps them close the gap between where they are now with their work, and where they could be. The goal of feedback is to provide students with insight that helps them to improve their performance.

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