ENCOURAGING INDEPENDENCE IN STUDENTS

LORNA FLEMING, ENGLISH LANGUAGE TEACHING , 21S T OCTOBER 2015

ACADEMIC DISCOURSE• Independent learning v independent study?

• Autonomous learning v self-directed learning?

• Student-initiated learning?

• ‘The capacity or ability to take charge of one’s learning.’ (Holec, 1979,1981)

• ‘Independent study is a process, a method and a [philosophy] of education in which a student acquires knowledge by his or her own efforts and develops the ability for inquiry and critical evaluation.’ (Forster, 1972).

• Transition from school to university studies

• Cultural differences

• How can we help students to understand what it means?

COMMON STRATEGIES

• Dialogue: previous experiences, expectations

• Reflection: discussion, journals

• Groups: student led, online discussion boards

• Assessment: formative & summative, group, peer

• Feeding “back” & feeding “forward”

• Advanced release of source material

• Research tasks, seminars

• Multi-media resources

• Support services: CAPOD, IELS

DEPARTMENTAL PROJECTS

Development of 2 sets of assessment criteria: 3 core + a fourth entitled “Task Response”

Encouraging understanding & engagement

Adaptation of a blended learning platform (Epigeum): focus on 3 broad subject areas (EAS)

Development of language, skills & subject knowledge

ACTION RESEARCH

“Scaffolding”: a specific example in current use at ELT

• Part of a content-based module: Sociology

• Core textbook, 3.5 hours teaching per week (Semester 1)

• Keywords glossary/list of terminology

• Preparation for formative assessment: quiz with mixed question types feedback & discussion

• Formative assessment: open-book

• BoB playlist students’ suggestion of “movie-night” study groups

• Research task as summative assessment: keywords + diagram + 2 short pieces of writing (1 descriptive, 1 evaluative + selection of secondary sources)

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

• To what extent is motivation the catalyst towards independence?

• How can we motivate students to want to be independent?

• Is “directed independent learning” the key?

Resource

The Higher Education Academy (12th March 2015). Effective practice in the design of directed independent learning opportunities. Available at:https://www.heacademy.ac.uk/resource/effective-practice-design-directed-independent-learning-opportunities