1. What is independent learning and what are the benefits for learners?
17/01/2019
What is independent learning and what are the benefits for learners?
Very rough prototype

2. Independent learning and challenge
Encouraging learners to take more responsibility for their learning and work independently is an effective way of promoting challenge
This ‘bite’ will give you important evidence from a study which not only identifies the benefits of independent learning but also ways in which it can be developed successfully

3. Key issues addressed by the study
17/01/2019
Key issues addressed by the study
The study aimed to
identify robust and relevant research to show the impacts of independent learning
highlight the benefits of independent learning for learners
Very rough prototype

4. Key elements of independent learning
17/01/2019
Key elements of independent learning
The study found that independent learning was characterised by
a shift in responsibility from teacher to learner
teachers enabling and supporting independent learning
a strong trusting relationship between teachers and learners
Very rough prototype

5. Successful independent learning
Successful independent learning was underpinned by factors including
a strong ICT environment
cognitive and problem-solving skills
meta-cognitive skills (ability to identify and articulate how learning occurs)

6. Benefits of independent learning
17/01/2019
Benefits of independent learning
The review found that independent learning
improved academic performance
increased motivation and confidence
encouraged more learner awareness of ways of overcoming personal challenges
enabled teachers to provide differentiated tasks
Very rough prototype

7. Skills fostered by independent learning
17/01/2019
Skills fostered by independent learning
Independent learning helped develop
learners’ cognitive and problem-solving skills
meta-cognitive skills and reflection on what they had done to take responsibility for their own learning
affective skills and the motivation to learn independently
Very rough prototype

8. The role of ICT in independent learning
ICT resources
offered opportunities for self-directed learning
increased the speed of access to information
facilitated interaction between learners and between learners and their teachers

9. How teachers promoted independent learning
17/01/2019
How teachers promoted independent learning
Teachers promoted independent learning by
building a supportive environment
providing learners with the opportunity to monitor themselves
encouraging learners to model their behaviour on teachers
providing feedback on homework to improve confidence
Very rough prototype

10. How schools promoted independent learning
17/01/2019
How schools promoted independent learning
A whole-school approach to independent learning included
support for teachers
study support by enabling learners to voluntarily choose their learning activities
empowering learners to self-regulate their learning
Very rough prototype

11. How was the information gathered?
17/01/2019
How was the information gathered?
The authors conducted a systematic review and synthesis of evidence which included case studies, control trials and cohort studies
Very rough prototype

12. How can teachers use this evidence?
Moving from whole-class directive teaching was a key step in fostering independent learning. Taking this more facilitative role is also a key element in securing challenge.
How many opportunities do learners currently have to work independently? Can you look at your planning and identify more opportunities when you can step back?
You could improve learners’ confidence in tackling independent learning tasks by building in opportunities for self-monitoring and showing them how to do it

13. How can school leaders use this evidence?
The review emphasised the key role of teachers in making independent learning work
How familiar are your colleagues with the elements of independent learning such as thinking skills?
You could provide colleagues with development opportunities by grouping teachers to coach each other in the skills needed for designing independent learning experiences

14. 17/01/2019
Follow-up reading
Meyer, B, Haywood, N, Sachdev, D, & Faraday, S. (2008). Independent Learning: Literature Review. Research Report 051, Department for Children, Schools and Families: London
Very rough prototype