Self-Directed Learning

This particularly relates to mature young adult and adult learning where a learner acts on their own initiative, often independently, to take ownership of their learning without the extent of direction that would previously been given to younger students by tutors or teachers.

Advice and guidance will still be offered to support learners, especially with prompts by a tutor / teacher, but there is a much greater emphasis on the learner being the driver behind actively requesting support rather than passively receiving support during routine sessions or expecting it to be provided.

Collaboration and support will also be provided by the peer group, although learners will also be expected to actively participate and seek out support amongst peers as required, rather than be prompted by others.

A learner basically directs themselves in their learning journey to arrive, hopefully, at a successful outcome.

A tutor / teacher can help provide encouragement to a learner, helping them build their confidence in being able to develop their own learning skills, helping to determine aims and what might be considered a successful outcome, and to explore different approaches to learning, which can vary at different stages of a learning journey.