The document describes seven dimensions of independent learning: 1. Changing and learning versus being stuck and static, which refers to one's openness to learning and growth. 2. Critical curiosity versus passivity, which refers to one's inquisitiveness and desire to learn independently. 3. Meaning making versus data accumulation, which refers to one's tendency to find patterns and connections to derive meaning from learning. 4. Creativity versus data accumulation, which refers to one's imagination and ability to think flexibly when learning. 5. Resilience versus fragility and dependence, which refers to one's persistence when facing challenges and independence as a learner. 6. Strategic awareness versus robotic

1. The seven dimensions of Independent Learning ELLI

3. I have a sense of history and of hope.

4. I tend to take ownership of my own learning, and like to be responsible for what I’m learning and how I go about it.

6. I like to work things out for myself, and to ask my own questions.

7. I tend to go looking for things to learn, rather than just responding to problems that come my way.

8. I’m attracted to learning and have a good deal of energy for learning tasks and situations.

10. I seek links between new situations and what I already know or am interested in.

11. I’m on the look-out for ‘horizontal meaning’

13. I like playing with possibilities and imagining how situations could be otherwise.

14. I sometimes get my best ideas when I just let my mind float freely, and I don’t mind ‘giving up mental control’ for a while to see what bubbles up.

16. I often enjoy grappling with things that aren’t easy.

17. I can handle the feelings that can crop up during learning: frustration, confusion, apprehension and so on.

18. I’m not easily upset or embarrassed when I can’t immediately figure something out

20. I usually have a fair idea how long something is going to take me, what resources I will need, and my chances of being successful.

22. I have no difficulty sharing thoughts and ideas with others, and find it useful.

23. I am quite capable of working away at problems on my own, and sometimes prefer it.

24. I don’t feel I have to stick with the crowd for fear of being lonely or isolated, when I’m learning.

25. I have important people at home and in my community who share with me in my learning.