North Warren Regional School
Autonomous Learner Model
Gifted Programming
An Autonomous Learner; by definition is "one who solves problems or develops new
ideas through a combination of divergent and convergent thinking and functions with
minimal external guidance in selected areas of endeavor."
(Betts and Knapp, 1981)
Professor George Betts and Jolene Kercher devised The Autonomous Learner Model
(ALM) to promote self-directed learning in gifted and talented students. The major
goal of the model is to facilitate the growth of students as independent, self-directed
learners, with the development of skills, concepts and positive attitudes within the
cognitive, emotional and social domains.
The model is designed to move students toward the role of learners, controlling the
learning process, with teachers adopting the role of facilitator. With a flexible
approach the model can be used in the regular classroom (with all learners and
across all phases of development), in small group settings, as an individual course,
or in specific or cross curricula learning areas.
The ALM advocates the development of student's 'passion' learning - where the child
engages in in-depth learning rather than merely covering breadth of a topic. A key
focus of the program is lifelong learning, with emphasis placed on meeting the
individualized needs of learners through the use of activities in the 5 major
dimensions of the model.
The model consists of five major dimensions:
1. Orientation - understanding giftedness, group building activities, self/personal
development
2. Individual Development - inter/intra personal understanding, learning skills,
use of technology, university/career awareness, organizational and
productivity skills
3. Enrichment - courses, explorations, investigations, cultural activities,
community service, excursions, camps
4. Seminars - small group presentations of futuristic, problematic, controversial,
general interest or advanced knowledge topics.
5. In-Depth Study - individual projects, group projects, mentorship's,
presentations, assessment of self and others