This document discusses self-directed learning. It defines self-directed learning as taking initiative in the learning process by diagnosing needs, setting goals, finding resources, implementing strategies, and evaluating outcomes. It outlines four stages of self-directed learning according to Grow: dependent students, motivated students, engaged learners, and self-directed learners. The document also discusses teachers' roles in facilitating, encouraging, and designing self-access materials to empower students. Some examples of self-access materials that encourage reflection and learning styles are provided.

1. SELF-DIRECTED
LEARNING
By Gloria Rincón
Cardenas Centro School

2. SELF-DIRECTED LEARNING
 For Knowles (1975), "self-directed
learning describes a process in which
individuals take the initiative, with or
without the help of others, in diagnosing
their learning needs, formulating
learning goals, identifying human and
material resources for learning,
choosing and implementing appropriate
learning strategies, and evaluating
learning outcomes." (p18)

3. SELF-DIRECTED LEARNING STAGES
By Grow ( 1991).
 Dependent students: they need to be
coached and motivated to be more
responsible with their learning.
 Motivated students: They need to be
encouraged to reflect and self-manage
their learning.
 Engaged learners: they need to be guided
to explore new topics, participate in
decision making, work more
collaboratively and interactively, and use
of new technologies.
 Self-directed learners: they plan, monitor
and assess their own learning process.
What kind of student are you?

4. Teachers’ role in self-directed learning
 Facilitators: They empower the
students with relevant resources,
methods and evaluative techniques in
order that they participate actively in
their learning process.
 Encouragers: They foster the use of
self-access materials to be self-directed
learners.
 Designers: They create Self-Access
Materials.
What of these roles does your English
teacher play?

5. Self-Access Materials
 Self-access materials offer a range of
learning styles and encourage
students to reflect on their learning
process (Reinders, 2010).
 ICT usage provides students with
more resources to practice at any
time and in any place.
Can you make a list of possible Self-
Access Materials?

6. REFERENCES
 Grow (1991). Cited in Tompkins Cortland Community College and Dialogue on learning
(n.d). Creating a safe emotional Environment. Retrieved March 6th, 2012
from http://www.dialogueonlearning.tc3.edu/model/environment/Emotional%20Safety-
grp.htm
 Knowles,M. S. (1975). Self-directed learning. New York: Association Press.
http://team6.metiri.wikispaces.net/file/view/Self-Directed+Learning+-+Malcom+Knowles.pdf
 Reinders, H. 2010. ‘Towards a classroom pedagogy for learner autonomy: A framework of
independent language learning skills’. Australian Journal of Teacher Education, 35, 5: 40-55.
Retrieved from:http://innovationinteaching.org/classroompedagogy/
Images
 Drawing by Harold Lizarazo.
 http://www.freegreatpicture.com/files/33/1957-fantasy-landscape.jpg
 http://ioar.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/landscape-nature-photo.jpg
 http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTQTh0xX1P3S5_b-ZRHYHaAdaDMO-
nN7RvLVrDAfWB1ef28fxbOKw
 http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSTSLhfv11HxrvSwQd9rXANPTZzn7tQuFJUE1AQ89oU6TCpkkS
Ccw
 http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQuHTavtnV_r0a4tLFE-Nylsp-
O9D7LtIFPhc13qtKBi2ZOY8yNvyLuh4Pw-Q
 http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/96/Cloudhoppers.jpg

7. THANKS FOR YOUR
PARTICIPATION
Gloria Patricia Rincón Montoya
gparincon@gmail.com