Independent Learning and the Use of Resources: VCE Australian Studies

Abstract

Independent learning and the use of resources are important to most, if not all, Victorian Certificate of Education subjects. This paper reviews the literature on independent learning, preference for resources and the teaching of information skills and then reports on a study carried out during 1990 which focused on the VCE subject, Australian Studies. The study included an examination of attitudes of teachers to independent learning, the use of resources by students and teachers and the level of students' information skills. A significant finding was that many students were not competent in using resources and few teachers were trained in teaching information skills. Information skills teaching was ad hoc and only limited moves had been made to integrate it into the curriculum on a co-ordinated, whole-school basis.

Social interactions that support students’ self-regulated learning: A case study of one teacher's experiences

“…While we conceptualized it as a study about independent learning; we emphasized three components to draw upon (Boekaerts & Cascallar, 2006;Hendy & Whitebread, 2000;McNeill, 2003;Williamson, 1995). First, the learner is active and responsible during learning (e.g., he/she sets goals, monitors learning); however, the extent to which he/she takes responsibility may vary.…”

Peran Kecerdasan Emosional Sebagai Faktor Yang Mempengaruhi Kemandirian Belajar Siswa

“…Menurut Knowles (1975) "belajar mandiri" menggambarkan sebuah proses di mana individu mengambil inisiatif (Scott, 2006) memberdayakan mereka dalam belajar (Williamson, 1995) serta mempunyai peran sebagai pemandu perkembangan aktivitas kognitif (Biggs, 1978) yang akan membantu mereka membaca dengan pemahaman yang lebih berhasil (Schuder, 1993) Kemandirian belajar ditandai dengan pendekatan proaktif untuk belajar (Pilling & Garrison, 2007) menerima tanggung jawab yang dapat dilihat dari keterlibatan siswa dalam studi mereka (Williamson, 1995). Pentingnya konteks pembelajaran mandiri (Liyan & Janette, 2007) dapat dilihat dengan cara mengevaluasi efektivitas pengalaman belajar siswa yang dinilai dari sifat dan karakteristiknya (Barnes, 2013).…”

Interpretations of independent learning in further education

“…Similar to Little (1994), Williamson (1995) recognizes that the variables involved in any one learning environment, with any one individual, are vast. The only common element is student responsibility.…”

“…These decisions ought to be made within the bounds of social acceptability and by self-directed, self-motivated, willing learners. (Kesten, 1987, p. 5) Williamson (1995) in his review of literature on independent learning states: 'Regardless of the terminology used, mostly researchers perceive differences in the level of responsibility students should accept ' (p. 78).…”

“…Independent learning aims to teach our students to learn for themselves and in turn empower them in their learning whatever the context. This is achieved by the acceptance of responsibility (see Williamson, 1995) by the student and can be seen by the involvement of the student in their studies. The definition therefore highlights the positive participation of the individual in order to reach the individual's needs.…”