1. INDEPENDENT LEARNING: A SCHOOL-WIDE APPROACH

2. A model for developing independent learning
Develop teachers as Socratic mentors – teaching by questioning, managing dialogue not providing monologue
Sprinkle droplets of thought (open questions, paradoxes, problems, puzzles, challenges) across the curriculum.
Challenge the ‘right answer model’ by asking questions to which there is no right answer (or no easy answer).
Develop independence through project work (mini projects, pilot projects, summative projects, extended projects)
Carry out curriculum audit on schemes of work to see how more independent learning can be supported.
Employ techniques for embedding independence within the curriculum
Independent Learning: A School-Wide Approach

3. Open questions open minds
The best questions for provoking discussion:
FERTILE
ACCESSIBLE
CONTROVERSIAL
ENGAGING
Independent Learning: A School-Wide Approach

4. Creating deeper learning and thinking through projects
Time, choice and structure – the ingredients that lead to rich project learning
Steps in the project process:
Planning
Researching
Developing
Reviewing
Independent Learning: A School-Wide Approach

5. Embedded independence
Learning-based projects
Collaborative research
Deeper-thinking review lessons
K – W – L
Big problem lessons
Peer instruction
Student teaching
Flipped schemes of work
Student-led seminars
Independent Learning: A School-Wide Approach

6. Curriculum Audit
Inspection of schemes of work, lesson observation, work scrutiny
What opportunities are there for discussion and debate?
Are students expected to develop and use research skills during work on topics?
Are they challenged to think about open questions?
When they have learned about a new topic, do they have an opportunity to respond by engaging in project work?
When project work happens, how much choice are students given (over what to do or how to do it)?
Independent Learning: A School-Wide Approach

7. Plenary: Teaching for independence
Independent Learning: A School-Wide Approach

8. INDEPENDENT LEARNING: A SCHOOL-WIDE APPROACH