Summit – Self Directed Learning The Learning Cycle The Habits Needed to Succeed

Why do successful people succeed? Research shows that there are behavior patterns that successful people share. 1.They are life-long, self-directed learners. 2.This kind of learning is a process. 3.They support themselves through this process with successful habits. YOU!

Self-directed Learning Habits Challenge Seeking: Self-directed learners are always looking for challenges. They know that they will not grow unless they are pushing themselves to try something they don’t feel completely comfortable with. Persistence: Self-directed learners are persistent even when a task is not completely engaging or interesting. They understand that deliberate practice leads to quicker processing and frees up mental space to solve more difficult problems and think through more interesting ideas. Strategy Shifting: Not all strategies will work for every problem. Self-directed learners are not just persistent but also realize when they are heading towards a dead end or getting frustrated and when it is time to shift strategies even if it means starting the problem from scratch. Appropriate Help Seeking: Self-directed learners don’t just feel comfortable asking for help from peers and teachers, they also do it in a way that will help sustain their learning. Self- directed learners are not satisfied with the answer or the next step in the process but want to know why their current strategy isn’t working and why other strategies might work better. Response to Setbacks: Self-directed learners fail as often, and usually more often, than anyone else. They don’t get discouraged by these failures but realize that these failures are opportunities to learn and shift strategies if necessary.

Challenge Seeking Self-directed learners are always looking for challenges. They know that they will not grow unless they are pushing themselves to try something they don’t feel completely comfortable with.

Persistence Self-directed learners are persistent even when a task is not completely engaging or interesting. They understand that deliberate practice leads to quicker processing and frees up mental space to solve more difficult problems and think through more interesting ideas.

Strategy Shifting Not all strategies will work for every problem. Self-directed learners are not just persistent but also realize when they are heading towards a dead end or getting frustrated and when it is time to shift strategies even if it means starting the problem from scratch.

Appropriate Help Seeking Self-directed learners don’t just feel comfortable asking for help from peers and teachers, they also do it in a way that will help sustain their learning. Self-directed learners are not satisfied with the answer or the next step in the process, but want to know: why their current strategy isn’t working and why other strategies might work better.

Positive Response to Setbacks Self-directed learners fail as often, and usually more often, than anyone else. They don’t get discouraged by these failures but realize that these failures are opportunities to learn and shift strategies if necessary.

Movie: Remember the Titans In the movie, the team members need to learn many new things in order to become a successful team. Watch for examples of each of the Habits for Success. Make notes of examples to discuss, next week.