1 Identifying Skills for Self-Directed Learning
Though all university courses ask students to apply independent learning strategies, online learning requires an even higher level of self-directed learning skills. Many students have experience in teacher-directed classrooms. In these classrooms, the teacher is the central figure, and the students take directions from the instructor about what to learn. In these environments, students might take notes on an instructor’s lecture and might focus much of their learning time on memorizing concepts in preparation for recalling them on an exam.
Online university courses are different. The instructor is no longer the central figure in the learning environment. You, the student, become central in your own learning journey. As you undertake this journey, you are supported by your community of fellow students. Your instructor serves as your guide, using their knowledge and experience to direct you to learning experiences that will lead you to your learning goals.
As you begin to learn about how to learn online, reflect on your current self-directed learning skills. Think of a time when you had to learn something new to complete a task and ask yourself the following questions: How did I determine what I didn’t know? How did I identify what I needed to do to complete the task? How did I actualize that learning plan and determine if I successfully gained competency in that area? What could I have done if I was not quite as successful as I would have liked?
Figure 1.1: Visualizing independent learning skills. Illustration by Jessica Tang.
Independent learning requires the following skills:
- • defining your learning goals for your program, each course, and each assignment you complete
- • identifying the steps you must take to move toward your goals (What content do you need to know? How will you learn it?)
- • choosing strategies that will support your own learning
- • reaching out for the support you need from your instructor, classmates, and university support services
In the next chapter, you will explore the ways that a skill called metacognition supports you in becoming an independent learner.