Independent Learning
How to Make the Most of the Hour!
Independent Learning
Today’s Agenda
Anticipatory Set
Independent Learning vs. Independent Study
Curriculum Overview
Unit Exploration
Group Discussion on Implementation
Issue Bin/ Plus Delta
Independent Learning
Anticipatory Set
Using your previous experience(s) with
Independent Study, write down your
biggest challenge with this part of the
curriculum.
Crumple this paper up and throw it away!
We are starting fresh with this model.
Independent Learning
Change in name!
Learning vs. Study
Afternoon vs. Evening
Learning = with teacher supervision
Study = on own time
Independent Learning is modeling and
guided practice for what should happen
during Independent Study
Independent Learning
Legally
Independent Learning is teacher supervised
time
Independent Study is non-supervised time
with teacher giving credit based on work
completed
Independent Learning
Independent Learning Modules have
defined goals, defined assignments and
defined structure
Independent Study Modules are loosely
structured to provide students with openended tasks to be completed on
individual time-lines
Independent Learning
“Independent Learning is that learning in
which the learner, in conjunction with
relevant others, can make the decisions
necessary to meet the learner’s own
learning needs.”

Kesten, 1987, p. 3
Independent Learning
“Students develop the values, attitudes,
knowledge and skills needed to make
responsible decisions and take actions
dealing with their own learning.”

www.sasked.gov.sk.ca
Independent Learning
Students develop the values…
Values = the accepted standards of a group
Acceptable “Standards” of a learning
environment
 Quiet
 On-task
 Self-directed
 Etc.
Independent Learning
Students develop the attitudes…
Attitudes = an opinion or general feeling
about something
Attitudes about learning
 Worthwhile
activities
 Will benefit student
 Good use of student time
 Etc.
Independent Learning
Student will develop knowledge…
Knowledge = possession of information,
facts, ideas, truths, or principles
Knowledge gained in Independent Learning:
 Relevant
to learner
 Relevant to learner
 Relevant to learner
 Etc.
Independent Learning
Student will develop the skills…
Skills = the ability to do something well,
usually gained through training or
experience
Independent Learning Skills as applied to
sober living
 Successfully
manage self
 Successfully navigate recovery
 Successfully cope with world
Independent Learning
Make responsible decisions and take
action:
Decisions and actions for students:
 Choose
behavior
 Choose module
 Choose pacing
 Choose learning modality
 Choose to engage
 Etc.
Independent Learning
Teacher Role:
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Continuum of increasing student
responsibility for decision making
Teacher transfer of control as students
exhibit responsibility
Assist students
Encourage students
Judge students’ readiness for responsibility
Independent Learning
Teacher’s Role:


Know students and their needs
Foster learning that is relevant to learner’s
own needs
Independent Learning
Teacher must create an environment that
is
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Sensitive
Flexible
Self-governing
Responsive to student needs
Independent Learning
Given the enormous challenges of your
current classroom environment, what
kind of classroom management
approaches would be most effective?
Independent Learning
Classroom Management

What should Independent Learning Time
look like? Sound like? Feel like?
 Student
directed (with teacher guidance)
 Student accountability (with teacher
guidance)
 Student valued (with teacher guidance)
Independent Learning
Students must take responsibility for their
own learning
Students are given an opportunity to
explore issues that have meaning and
relevance for them (as identified by the
Risk Assessment)
Students move toward independence in
varying degrees
Independent Learning
“It is a challenge to provide the correct amount of
guidance without providing too much direction.
Direction is needed to help learners identify areas of
difficulty but too much direction detracts from their
sense of ownership of the learning project.”
Raaheim and Wankowski 1981
Independent Learning
Conclusion:

Teachers can help students take
responsibility for their learning by providing
opportunities and strategies for learning
independently and by encouraging them to
initiate and actively participate in their own
learning.
Independent Learning
Next:
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Review Risk Assessment
Evaluate Needs
Assign modules