Teaching Students How To Learn Independently....

Essays on the Teaching of English
Raymond Stopper
Based on His Book, Teaching English, How To….

Teaching Students How to Learn….

Independent study helps students learn how to organize their own learning. They plan and complete projects on topics about which they want to learn.

Independent study requires students to plan and complete personal projects. They formulate goals and objectives, list possible activities and materials, and propose methods of evaluation. The teacher meets with each student to help plan the project. The student gives reasons for wanting to make the study; lists activities to be completed, materials needed, and people with whom to consult; outlines an estimated schedule; and suggests methods for the final presentation of results. During the course of the project, the student meets with the teacher to discuss problems, difficulties and needs.

Today, with the Internet available to most students, either at home or in school, I think every teacher should have students working on independent study projects, both alone and in groups. Establishing their own goals, activities and methods of evaluation will help students learn how to structure their own learning. Independent study will also help them learn how to identify and solve problems. Another valuable lesson to be learned from an independent study project is how to assimilate, synthesize and use information to achieve a specific purpose.

Providing the opportunity for students to plan independent projects is one method of helping students learn how to learn.