This document discusses independent learning as a process that aims to create self-reliant, self-motivated, lifelong learners. It defines independent learning as an ongoing process that encourages reflection and growth. The goals of independent learning are for students to reflect, inquire, and gain self-development. Teachers have a role in facilitating independent learning by providing opportunities, strategies, and gradually reducing direction as students gain confidence and maturity. Independent learning allows students to plan, organize their work, learn through experience, and set their own learning aims.

1. An Approach to Independent Learning Ana Coelho – Agrupamento Cardoso Lopes – Amadora [email_address] Fernando Rui Campos – Agrupamento Cardoso Lopes – Amadora [email_address] Alzira Gorjão - Agrupamento Cardoso Lopes – Amadora [email_address] Dária Ferreira - Escola Básica de Santo António – Funchal [email_address] Comenius Meeting Funchal, 11 Feb. 2008

2. WHAT IS INDEPENDENT LEARNING? IT IS A PROCESS. A METHOD. A PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION.

3. OBJECTIVES OF INDEPENDENT LEARNING I.L. WANTS TO CREATE SELF – RELIANT LEARNERS. SELF- MOTIVATED STUDENTS. LIFE LONG - LEARNERS.

4. I.L. A THEORETICAL DEFINITION “ INDEPENDENT LEARNING IS A PART OF AN ON GOING , LIFELONG PROCESS OF EDUCATION THAT STIMULATES GREATER THOUGHTFULNESS AND REFLECTION AND PROMOTES THE CONTINUING GROWTH OF STUDENTS’ CAPABILITIES AND POWERS”. PHILIP CANDY,1991.

5. I.L. A THEORETICAL DEFINITION (cont.) “ INDEPENDENT LEARNING INVOLVES THE TEACHER AND THE LEARNER IN AN INTERACTIVE PROCESS THAT ENCOURAGES STUDENTS INTELLECTUAL DEVELOPMENT AND THEIR CAPACITY FOR INDEPENDENT AND REFLEXIVE JUDGEMENT .” PHILIP CANDY, 1991

6. WHAT ARE THE GOALS OF INDEPENDENT LEARNING ? STUDENTS SHOULD BE ABLE TO REFLECT. INQUIRE. GAIN SELF – DEVELOPMENT.

7. INDEPENDENT LEARNING APPLICATION STRATEGIES TAKES DIFFERENT FORMS FOR DIFFERENT STUDENTS. VARIES ACCORDING TO THE SUBJECT AND ACCORDING TO THE STUDENTS.

8. TEACHERS’ ROLE TEACHERS CAN – PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES. PROVIDE STRATEGIES. ENCOURAGE STUDENTS TO PARTICIPATE ACTIVELY IN THE LEARNING PROCESS.

9. TEACHERS’ ROLE (cont.) TEACHERS CAN FACILITATE INDEPENDENT LEARNING. INDEPENDENT LEARNING CAN BE A CHALLENGE FOR THE TEACHER - HE OR SHE HAS TO PROVIDE THE CORRECT AMOUNT OF INFORMATION.

10. TEACHERS’ ACTIONS TEACHERS CAN GRADUALLY REDUCE DIRECTION AND SUPPORT AS THE LEARNER INCREASES IN CONFIDENCE AND MATURITY.

11. I.L. AND STUDENT LEARNING INDEPENDENT LEARNING MAKES STUDENTS PLAN AND ORGANISE THEIR WORK. INDEPENDENT LEARNING OBLIGES STUDENTS TO LEARN THROUGH EXPERIENCE. INDEPENDENT LEARNING ALLOWS STUDENTS TO SET THEIR OWN LEARNING AIMS.

12. I.L. AND STUDENTS’ OUTCOMES IDENTIFY AND SOLVE PROBLEMS. THINK CREATIVELY. ASSESS THEIR OWN PROGRESS.

13. To Think about … IS THE EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM DESIGNED FOR INDEPENTENT LEARNING?

14. Referencies Biggs,J. ,1999.Teaching for quality learning at university society for research into higher education .Open university press. Buckingham. Candy,P.C.,1991. Self-direction for lifelong learning.Jossey-Bass higher and adult education series. San Francisco, California. Cotterall,S., 2004. Learner independence: reflecting on experience.Proceedings of the independent learning conference 2003. Oxford Centre for Staff and Learning Development, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford, Available at [ http://www.brookes.ac.uk].

15. The End Thanks for your time Ana Coelho [email_address] Alzira Gorjão [email_address] Dária Ferreira [email_address] Fernando rui Campos [email_address]