Question

Discuss techniques that encourage Self-Direction.

Answer 1

• Self-directed learning is an instructional strategy where the students, with guidance from the teacher, decide what and how they will learn. It can be done individually or with group learning, but the overall concept is that students need to take ownership of their learning.
• One component is management and monitoring.The teacher takes on a supporting and advising role while students manage their own learning process and monitor their own progress.
• Learning needs are assessed by the students and teachers help them in this process.
• Collaboration is the third component. Since this learning can be done in groups,therefore, students collbarate with other students to gain knowledge and experience and reach their learning objectives.
• Self evaluation is done by the students by themselves at the end of the learning process.Students should get input from other students as well as the teacher to find areas that may need improvement.

Techniques for self directed learning

• Reflective questioning can help in the learning process. Posing mediating questions has the highest potential for developing self-directedness, as the purpose is to alert the students.
• To promote self direction,identifying your goals is important by questioning the importance of the facts.
• Seeking out challenges to enhance knowledge is another way of promoting self directed learning.
• Monitoring your own learning process,identifying your strengths and weaknesses also helps.
• Try to understand you approach towards learning and intrinsic motivation.
• Certain activities can be used to enhance self direction like creating your own learning,engaging in recreational or vocational courses where knowledge can be used and skills can be learned,like,for example,part time job as a banker,volunteering for social work,working at ngos. etc.