Mary Pouline, Author and Founder, Sapience Publications
WWW WIN-WIN-WAY
Educators, parents, and children, this month, I bring you a topic of utmost importance: self-directed learning (SDL). What is SDL? Knowles defines it as a process where individual learners take the lead in diagnosing their own learning needs, setting goals, finding resources, and evaluating outcomes.
In this article, we explore the concept of SDL, a growing trend in the post-pandemic era. The benefits of SDL are numerous, offering a promising approach to learning in the cutting-edge era and beyond with many advantages. Teachers and Parents have a crucial role in supporting and facilitating SDL. During my doctoral research, I had the opportunity to explore the post-pandemic effects on education. To gain insights, I interviewed 10-15 teachers from reputed schools. Our discussions covered various issues, but a common theme emerged from these interviews: many teachers expressed concerns about students losing their focus, forgetting their fundamentals, and the challenges they will face in regaining control and emphasising the importance of education. Undoubtedly, the lingering effects of the pandemic were evident in the classrooms.
We have seen remarkable changes across various industries, and educators must also bring about similar changes in the education sector. We need to move from a teacher-centric approach to a student-centric one. This means moving from traditional lecturing to active engagement through questioning, assessment, and collaborative work. This approach, known as self-directed learning, is not only a chalk, talk and mark approach but also an add, ask and seek approach. Nowadays, digital classrooms are available in many schools. It’s an opportunity. Yet, the SDL is the most essential theme for making future generations brighter.
SDL’s adaptability is a critical feature, making it a reassuring choice for Gen alpha kids. It ensures effective learning in any situation and provides a sense of security to educators, parents, and students alike.
What is the SDL approach?
It is so clear from the name itself that it is self-directed learning. Curriculum planners should make provisions in textbooks to encourage SDL to help students develop lifelong learning skills among students.
….contd in Aalumai Sirpi Magazine.
