It was my pleasure recently to have a wonderful conversation with a parent regarding what is a Self-Directed Learner.  “Is it something that we just expect a student to become or is it a process to be learnt over time?”  This is an interesting and important question that everyone should understand and therefore is a focus for me in this Terms newsletter. 

Part One 

Self-Directed Learning includes skills that students have as well as how they use the learning systems available to them, including Assignment Writing, use of Canvas and the Learning Centre Practice (Assignment, Lesson, Study). 

The following diagram is one representation of the complete picture of Self-Directed Learning. 

Self-Directed learning is our key delivery method for learning and is supported by the 2 key pillars of Language of Learning and Foundation Skills. 

Each part of the diagram does not exist without the others. 

Self-Directed learning is not something that just suddenly happens for students, it is a continuum of several specific learning strategies that help all students and adults alike to become effective lifelong learners. 

“In its broadest meaning, ’self-directed learning’ describes a process by which individuals take the initiative, with or without the assistance of others, to diagnose their learning needs, formulate learning goals, identify human and material resources for learning, choose and implement appropriate learning strategies, and evaluate learning outcomes.” 

(Knowles, 1975) 

Our goal is to help support students to become Self-Direct learners as quickly as possible.  This will however be at different times throughout a student’s time at school as each student will navigate this Mountain individually.  

Yours in learning 

Grant Rogers