The role of the teacher wishing to encourage independent learning among his students takes three aspects; teacher-student relationship; teaching and example of skills necessary for independent learning.
The learning environment created by the teacher
Children who enter the formal education system are autonomous learners gifted with intuition. It is important to create an environment that contributes to the process of autonomy, and allows them to consciously accept responsibility for their own learning and make decisions in this area. The teacher plays an important role at this level, providing students with aconducive environmentwhich encourages motivation, self-confidence, curiosity and the desire to learn. Independent learning will be favored by a climate that is flexible, sensitive and open to the needs of students.
The atmosphere, environment and structure of the school itself must encourage independent learning. Teachers, management staff and others must model attitudes of independent learning by example. This educational approach creates the context within which students can take increasing responsibility for their own learning.
Teacher-librarians also have their role of the teacher to play in this independent learning approach. Resource-based learning will enable students to obtain the resources they need and take an active part in the life of their school and community. Well-designed library programs can provide students with the support and agency they need to take increasing responsibility for their own learning.
In a school system based largely on competition and grades, it is especially important that students develop an interest in learning for its own sake , not as a means to an end. Independent learning strategies that respond to students’ interests and questions allow them to be offered courses appropriate to their needs and show that it is the reason they learn that helps make them autonomous learners .
The teacher-student relationship
The teacher-student relationship should encourage students to take more and more responsibility for their learning. Maturity will also help them, and teachers will need to give them more and more control over their own decisions as their students mature. This transfer of control will be better experienced if it takes place in a school environment “organized to encourage and support students in their process of taking responsibility for their own learning, which will be an increasingly mature and complete decision”. (Kesten, 1987, p.15)
Teachers help students master decision-making processes as instructors, guides, and facilitators. In this role, they not only enable them to acquire a solid foundation of knowledge and experience, but also help them discover what they mean to them, based on their own needs. This leads to a more valuable learning experience for students; they are motivated to take closer control of their learning, because it is tailored to their needs, both as individuals and as members of society.
At the same time as teachers encourage students to take more responsibility for decision-making, they must also judge whether these students are ready to take on such responsibility. They will be able to realize this based on their age, their degree of maturity, their skills and their knowledge, and will only be able to do so if they know them well.
As in all common essential learning, the teacher’s teaching techniques are essential. The attitudes, skills and knowledge necessary for independent learning will largely be stimulated in students by the way teachers organize their classroom and their teaching.
It is important that teachers use teaching techniques, strategies and approaches based on collaboration between student and teacher, with the aim of encouraging participation, when it comes to setting objectives and also evaluate the learning process. A teaching approach that promotes students’ self-confidence and gives them the opportunity to take responsibility for their own learning will also be essential.
Teaching and modeling skills necessary for independent learning
An important aspect of the teacher’s role is to demonstrate by example the skills necessary for independent learning. As with other common essential learning, it is important to note that such skills should not be taught alone, but rather be developed in each of the subjects presented in class. From the work of Herber and Herber (1987), it is possible to identify five principles on how teachers can incorporate the teaching of these skills and create an environment in which their students will feel free to become independent learners for life.
The logical consequence of having learned and practiced a task is the resulting autonomy when it comes to accomplishing it. Students learn through activities that facilitate the transition to independence, through example, demonstration and direct instruction of learning skills. The teacher then gives them the opportunity to practice the skills they have learned, and monitors their progress. It is also important at this stage to share with students what is being accomplished and why.for which the activity in question is useful. The goal is for students to eventually make their own decisions, relate what they have learned to what they already knew, make judgments and inferences, apply new ideas, and find joy in learning .