Teaching with Valor A Veteran's Perspective Podcast "Promoting Independent Learning"

Welcome back to Teaching with Valor, the podcast where we celebrate the dedication and resilience of educators everywhere. 

I’m your host, Don J. Fessenden, and today, we’re diving into an essential aspect of fostering student growth: Promoting Independent Learning. We’ll explore strategies for elementary, middle, and high school classrooms, and include two additional segments to provide a comprehensive understanding of this topic. 

Stay tuned for a special bonus segment where we’ll answer a parent question related to promoting independent learning 

Show notes:

For more information on this topic checkout the following:

1. Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (2000). "The 'What' and 'Why' of Goal Pursuits: Human Needs and the Self-Determination of Behavior." Psychological Inquiry, 11(4), 227-268.
2. Dweck, C. S. (2006). "Mindset: The New Psychology of Success." Random House.
3. National Education Association. (2020). "Strategies for Effective Teaching." Retrieved from NEA Website.
4. Khan Academy. (2024). "Online Learning Platform." Retrieved from Khan Academy.
5. Seesaw. (2024). "Digital Portfolios for Students." Retrieved from Seesaw.
6. Project-Based Learning Works. (2024). "Project-Based Learning Resources." Retrieved from PBL Works.
7. Google for Education. (2024). "Google Classroom." Retrieved from Google for Education.

Stay tuned for more episodes, and remember, every student is unique, and every classroom can be a place where all students succeed. Keep teaching with valor!

Transcript

Don: 0:07

Welcome back to Teaching with Valor, the podcast where we celebrate the dedication and resilience of educators everywhere. I’m your host, Don Fessenden, and today, we’re diving into an essential aspect of fostering student growth: Promoting Independent Learning. We’ll explore strategies for elementary, middle, and high school classrooms, and include two additional segments to provide a comprehensive understanding of this topic. Stay tuned for a special bonus segment where we’ll answer a parent question related to promoting independent learning. Let’s get started! In our first segment we will look at Promoting Independent Learning in Elementary School. Elementary school is a critical time to start fostering independent learning habits. Young students are naturally curious and eager to learn, and it’s our job to channel that curiosity into productive, self-directed learning experiences. In the elementary classroom, one effective strategy is to provide students with choices in their learning activities. Allowing students to choose from a variety of tasks can help them take ownership of their learning. For example, during a reading period, students might choose from a selection of books or reading-related activities. This encourages them to make decisions about their learning and develop a sense of autonomy. Another key approach is to teach students how to set goals and self-assess. Introducing simple goal-setting activities, such as writing down what they want to learn in a week or a month, helps students focus on their personal learning objectives. Additionally, self-assessment tools like checklists or reflection journals can help students evaluate their progress and understand their own learning process. Imagine Ms. Taylor’s third-grade classroom. She starts each week with a“goal-setting Monday,” where students write down their learning goals for the week. Throughout the week, students choose from a menu of activities that align with these goals. On Fridays, they reflect on their progress in their journals. By incorporating choice and goal-setting into her classroom routine, Ms. Taylor fosters a culture of independent learning. Now in our second segment we will look at Promoting Independent Learning in Middle School. Middle school students are at a stage where they can handle more responsibility and begin to develop critical thinking skills. Encouraging independent learning at this level involves guiding students to take more control over their education. One effective strategy is to incorporate project-based learning. Project-Based-Learning allows students to explore real-world problems and challenges through projects that require independent research and critical thinking. For example, a science teacher might assign a project where students choose an environmental issue to research and propose solutions. This approach not only fosters independence but also engages students in meaningful, relevant learning experiences. Another approach is to teach time management and organizational skills. Middle school is a perfect time for students to learn how to manage their time effectively and stay organized. Teachers can introduce tools such as planners, digital calendars, and time-management apps. Additionally, teaching students to break down larger tasks into manageable steps can help them stay on track and complete their work independently. Consider Mr. Johnson’s seventh-grade science class. He assigns a semester-long project on environmental issues, where students choose their topics, do research, and deliver their findings. He also spends time each week teaching time management skills, such as how to use planners and break down tasks. By integrating project-based learning and organizational skills into his teaching, Mr. Johnson helps his students become more independent learners. In this third segment we will look at Promoting Independent Learning in High School. High school students are preparing for post-secondary education and careers, making it crucial for them to develop strong independent learning skills. At this level, the focus is on helping students become self-motivated and self-regulated learners. One effective strategy is to use flipped classroom models. In a flipped classroom, students are responsible for learning new content at home through videos or readings, and class time is dedicated to applying that knowledge through discussions and activities. This approach encourages students to take responsibility for their own learning and come to class prepared to engage deeply with the material. Another key approach is to provide opportunities for self-directed learning. Allowing students to pursue their interests and passions through independent study projects or elective courses can motivate them to take charge of their education. For example, a teacher might offer an independent study course where students choose a topic of interest, develop a research plan, and deliver their findings at the end of the semester. Imagine Ms. Patel’s eleventh-grade history class. She uses a flipped classroom model, where students watch video lectures and complete readings at home. In class, they engage in debates, group projects, and other activities that apply their knowledge. Additionally, she offers an independent study course where students choose a historical topic to research and present. By using these strategies, Ms. Patel empowers her students to become self-directed learners. In this segment we will look at how to Support Independent Learning Through Technology. Technology can be a powerful tool for promoting independent learning. Let’s explore some ways teachers can leverage technology to support student autonomy. One approach is to use online learning platforms. Platforms like Google Classroom, Khan Academy, and Edmodo provide students with access to a wealth of resources and allow them to learn at their own pace. Teachers can assign lessons, track progress, and provide feedback, while students take responsibility for completing tasks and seeking help when needed. Another effective use of technology is to incorporate digital portfolios. Digital portfolios allow students to document and reflect on their learning over time. By creating and maintaining a portfolio, students can take ownership of their learning, set goals, and showcase their progress. Teachers can use platforms like Seesaw or Google Sites to facilitate this process. Consider Mr. Lee’s eighth-grade English class. He uses Google Classroom to assign reading and writing tasks, track student progress, and provide feedback. Students also maintain digital portfolios, where they upload their work, reflect on their learning, and set goals for improvement. By integrating technology into his teaching, Mr. Lee supports his students’ independent learning. In todays final segment we will look at Fostering a Growth Mindset for Independent Learning. Fostering a growth mindset is essential for promoting independent learning. Students with a growth mindset believe that their abilities can be developed through hard work and perseverance. One effective strategy is to teach students about the brain’s ability to grow and change. Explaining the concept of neuroplasticity helps students understand that learning is a process and that they can improve their skills over time. Teachers can use videos, discussions, and activities to introduce this concept and reinforce it throughout the year. Another approach is to emphasize effort and perseverance over innate ability. Praising students for their hard work, persistence, and problem-solving skills, rather than their intelligence, encourages them to take risks and learn from their mistakes. For example, a teacher might use phrases like,“I’m proud of how you worked through that problem,” or“Your effort really paid off.” Imagine Ms. Lopez’s fourth-grade classroom. She starts the year by teaching her students about neuroplasticity and the brain’s ability to grow. Throughout the year, she emphasizes effort and perseverance, praising students for their hard work and resilience. By fostering a growth mindset, Ms. Lopez helps her students become more confident and independent learners. Now, it is time for our bonus segment where we will address a common question from parents: How can I support my child’s independent learning at home? Supporting your child’s independent learning involves creating a positive and structured environment. One way to do this is by setting up a dedicated study space. Having a quiet, organized area where your child can focus on their work helps them take their learning seriously. Another important aspect is to encourage a growth mindset. Praise your child for their effort and perseverance, rather than their innate abilities. Help them see mistakes as opportunities to learn and grow. For example, if your child struggles with a math problem, you might say,“I’m proud of you for sticking with it. Let’s figure it out together.” It’s also important to provide resources and support. Make sure your child has access to the materials and technology they need for their learning. Encourage them to seek help when needed and guide them in using online resources and educational apps. Lastly, model independent learning yourself. Show your child that learning is a lifelong process by engaging in your own learning activities. Whether it’s reading, taking an online course, or working on a project, your example will inspire your child to value and take responsibility for their own learning. That wraps up our deep dive into promoting independent learning. I hope these strategies and insights inspire you to create an environment where students can take charge of their education and develop the skills they need to succeed. If you’d like to learn more about promoting independent learning, check out the resources and references provided at the end of this episode. Remember, fostering independent learning is a journey, and every step you take helps your students become more confident, capable, and motivated learners. Thank you for joining me on this episode of Teaching with Valor. Until next time, keep inspiring, keep teaching, and keep making a difference.