{"id":23537,"date":"2020-10-06T10:08:04","date_gmt":"2020-10-06T09:08:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/stonebridge-blog.positive-dedicated.net\/?p=23537"},"modified":"2020-11-30T17:14:35","modified_gmt":"2020-11-30T17:14:35","slug":"what-is-self-directed-learning","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/blog\/adult-education\/what-is-self-directed-learning\/","title":{"rendered":"What is Self-Directed Learning?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The most common practice when an individual or group decide they want to learn something is to seek the assistance of a teacher or professional instructor. These educators then teach those wishing to learn and supervise the process in which they do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The alternative to this is for an individual learner to assume the primary responsibility of planning, initiating and conducting that learning project.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is called self-directed learning. It is the process where people take the initiative, with or without the help of others, in diagnosing their own learning needs. They formulate learning goals and identify both the human and material resources they need to learn. They\u2019ll choose and implement appropriate learning strategies and evaluate their learning outcomes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This alternate way of approaching education broadens the concept of education itself. Now it encompasses more than just the transmission of knowledge from one person to another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Self-directed learning, when done effectively, provides a pathway to deep understanding and efficacy. By being mindful of the ways it can appear and leveraging it as an integral part of our learning process, we can create a more meaningful learning experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is a skill that will serve you well throughout your life. Since you will be able to set a goal and find out exactly what you need to do to get there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In terms of distance learning, it gives you the framework you need to find the course that will get you to your end goal. Studying in a structured, well managed and productive way, while continually evaluating your progress. Identifying areas for improvement that may need additional support along the way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are the four key stages of self-directed learning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"Take<\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Assessing your Readiness to Learn<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

For successful independent study, you need to have various skills and attitudes towards learning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019d class yourself as autonomous, organised, self-disciplined and you think you take criticism well, you sound like you\u2019ll fit the bill. Though it\u2019s not often we sit and take note of our character traits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this step you need to conduct an honest self-evaluation of your situation now. This will allow you to determine if in fact you are ready to take the plunge into self-directed learning. Consider your study habits, commitments, financial situation and support network and honestly assess if they would be a barrier to study.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Think over your prior experiences with autonomous learning. If these went well or badly, try to identify why and what you could do to improve this time around. This step isn\u2019t trying to deter you, more help you see how realistic studying at this time will be.   <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"What<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Setting Learning Goals<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Setting goals in your studies is extremely important. The end goal or milestone could be finally getting that job you\u2019ve always wanted or studying a university level. Figuring out the steps you need to complete to get there can make your course more manageable, and the goal seem more obtainable. It\u2019ll keep you grounded and focussed on the end result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Setting more granular learning goals too will help you to stay on track and assess how well you are performing in each module. Consider:<\/p>\n\n\n\n