Study Skills Snippet Independence The ability to take

Study Skills Snippet Independence “The ability to take charge of one’s learning” (Holec 1981: 3)

What is Independent Learning? One of the key skills for successful study is the ability to work independently. Instead of being constantly ‘spoon fed’ by teachers and being told exactly what to do, students should work on their own a lot more, setting their own goals, tracking down resources and taking responsibility for producing work on time. Why do I need to be an Independent Learner? Many students really enjoy this greater freedom to develop their own interests and take on more responsibility. In time, independent learning becomes almost a habit which prepares the way not only for university but for life-long learning.

To become a good independent learner you need to be: Motiva ted Resilien t Time M anager Initiativ e

The Process: So what does this mean in practice? Like most things, independent learning can be broken down into smaller steps: • • Clarify the task – make sure you understand what you have been asked to do Map out a timeframe Gather the resources Take careful notes, for at least two reasons: firstly, to keep the information needed for later use; but secondly to check whether you really understand the material Understanding increases only gradually, so don’t expect to understand everything at once. Now start to plan the assignment Then complete the assignment – in good time to meet the deadline! Always aim to produce your best in a piece of work

The great philosopher Aristotle argued long ago that true virtue is achieved through a proper balance: not too little, not too much. . . This is probably still the best advice for all forms of independent learning: keep working steadily, little and often. And learn to let go when you have done enough!

Task – Get your Spec in Check! • In all of your subjects there will be specifications (lists made by the exam board which tell you and your teachers everything that needs to be covered for the exam). You may have stuck sections of these into your exercise books at the start of new modules. • Your task is to download one specification and use this to complete some revision on areas which you have already covered AND to read ahead and pre-learn some material which you have not yet covered for Year 11.

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