Dr. Megan Ravetz Objective: To learn about one new method you wish to try to facilitate self-study in your pupils.

1. Why bother to encourage self study? 2. Defining independent learning and sharing pupils perceptions of independent learning. 3. Identifying skills needed for successful independent learning. 4. Sharing resources for encouraging effective self-study. 5. Discussing ways of encouraging self-study / independent learning.

1. Why bother to encourage self- study in pupils? Develops Independent Learning Skills. Increases understanding of the subject matter. Increases confidence. Develops transferable skills. Develops skills for their future.

2. Defining independent learning and sharing pupils perceptions of independent learning Pupil definition ‘Independent Learning is voluntary learning undertaken by the individual where the individual sets their own objectives (they are not set by another person) and manages it themselves,’

Literature Meyer, B., Haywood, N., Sachdev, D. & Faraday, S., (2008a) Independent learning - Literature review - Full report, DCSF-RR051. Many definitions with similar themes and processes. Does not involve pupils working alone. Teachers plays an important role in enabling and supporting.

Independent Learning Definition 'When an individual is able to take responsibility and control of their own learning, using a variety of different skills and resources, to achieve an outcome which enhances the cognitive ability of the individual'

3. Identifying skills needed for successful independent learning CAALM Cognitive: ‘The act or process of knowing; knowledge’ Affective skills:‘Being able to motivate ourselves and valuing the learning taking place’ Access to resources: ‘Having the resources to learn Learnt skills and tools: ‘Learning strategies and developing the skills needed for learning’ Metacognition: ‘Knowing when and how to use particular strategies for learning or problem solving’

4. Sharing resources for encouraging effective self-study

Self-Study Work Booklets

PUPIL FEEDBACK Enjoy the variety of tasks Appreciate the structure yet independent Evaluation makes them think about their learning Evaluation makes them think about the types of questions they find hard Appreciate the different methods of learning and looking at different ways of learning They find the exam questions really useful and can use the resources effectively after doing the tasks

EVALUATION Shows application of learning Structured but independent Assessment opportunity Introduces learning techniques Pupils evaluate work Easy to identify areas of weakness, either knowledge or skills based Spectrum of engagement A-Grade students, spectrum of success Other students, engagement shows results

Strategies & Knowledge for Independent Learning SKIL helps pupils study and is aimed at developing a pupils Independent Learning skills in a positive learning environment, primarily outside the classroom. SHOWING HOW TO LEARN EFFICIENTLY & EFFECTIVELY.

THEY EXPLAIN HOW TO USE DIFFERENT LEARNING STRATEGIES.

ILLUSTRATES STRATEGIES FOR: 1. REVIEWING SUBJECT KNOWLEDGE 2. APPLYING KNOWLEDGE 3. REVIEWING MARKED WORK 4. MEMORIZING & REMEMBERING THEY REALLY WORK!!!!!! (ALL METHODS HAVE UNDERGONE RIGOROUS TESTING IN THE FIELD AND HAVE BEEN SHOWN TO BE EFFECTIVE – INDEPENDENTLY VERIFIED!)

SKIL - USE: TO DO HOMEWORK TO REVIEW WORK FROM CLASS TO REVIEW AS LEVEL WORK OR WORK FORGOTTEN TO MEMORISE DEFINITIONS & DIAGRAMS TO REVIEW MARKED WORK TO PRACTISE EXAM QUESTIONS TO ANALYSIS EXAM QUESTIONS TO REVISE FOR A TEST / MOCK / EXAM

SKIL - USE: IN OR OUT OF CLASS TO WORK INDIVIDUALLY OR IN GROUPS TO WORK ACROSS YEAR GROUPS TO CREATE STUDY GROUP TO GET HELP TO HELP GET STARTED

Feedback – Year 12 1:1 discussions following mocks Student 1 (Target = A, Mock = A) Me: How did you get 93% (on the mock)? Student: Those cards took ages to do! Me: The flash cards from the SKIL strategies? (From SKIL card i5) Student: Yes Me: So they worked. Student: Yes Student 2 (Target = E, Mock = U) Me: Which questions did you get right? Student: Bond angles Me: What did you do to revise bond angles? Student: I used the clock face. (From SKIL card i3) 17

PUPIL FEED BACK Any time can be used for Independent Learning It helps pupils get started. New methods of learning that they have not thought of Pupils found it interesting to learn how other people revise and their specific technique for revising It has motivated the Year 13 students who are involved as mentors to review work completed in year 12 that is still relevant It has given an opportunity for year 12 & year 13 students to talk and for year 13 students to pass on ‘words of wisdom’ It has increased communication across the years and across friendship groups outside the classroom

PARENTAL FEEDBACK My son has found the techniques very useful in his studies. He attended during his lunch time, so they were voluntary. This tells me the SKIL sessions are worthwhile. He has used the techniques in his lessons as well as homework and revision. It has taught him how to plan his revision, break down the subject topics into sections. These skills have made him feel more prepared for the exams thus more confident. I wish these techniques were offered initially to Year 10 onwards.

5. Discussing ways of encouraging self-study / independent learning