Independent Learning

Many of the processes, skills and abilities required for all of the other Common Essential Learnings contribute to the goal of developing independent learners. In order to achieve this goal, it is important that the various subject areas provide students with opportunities to:

• derive pleasure from learning
• grow as independent learners within a classroom environment which promotes self-esteem, curiosity, competence and trust
• experience a wide variety of activities and topics across subject areas so that they can determine what they would like to study in depth
• discover and explore their interests or abilities in various areas of study
• explore issues or topics which address their interests or concerns
• participate in as wide a range of optional ways to learn as possible
• discover meanings and solutions for themselves through active participation in learning activities and experiences
• merge their inner drives (e.g., energies, attitudes, values, curiosities, ideas, needs) with their learning
• participate in experiences which lead to independent exploration or require them to go beyond what the class lesson provides
• share what they have discovered on their own about a particular concept, idea or process introduced in a unit of study
• contribute suggestions into teacher-directed activities
• participate in classroom decision-making processes
• choose among learning options
• participate in learning situations under supervision and direction from the teacher (and others) which allow them to focus on own needs and to draw on own decision-making and problem solving abilities
• take on more responsibility for their own learning as their competence develops
• understand the complexities of information retrieval and use
• grow in confidence and skill in their use of library resources and sustain positive feelings about libraries

To support the development of a positive disposition toward life-long learning

Students will develop their abilities to:
K-5

• discover how their efforts can affect their learning
• demonstrate their achievements in a wide range of appropriate ways
• participate in a wide range of learning activities, individually, as well as in cooperation with their teacher(s) or peers
• contribute to the development of objectives, individually, as well as in cooperation with their teacher(s) or peers
• cooperate with and help each other in order to enhance their understanding through sharing information
• appreciate that knowledge of a diversity of ideas, processes and experiences can improve their ability to make choices related to all aspects of learning

6-9 Continue to develop the understandings and abilities in the Elementary Level in addition to the following:

• make choices in learning which reflect their needs and interests
• move from choosing among teacher-directed activities toward self-directed activities that require more student planning and responsibility
• work on in-depth studies of their choice
• develop support strategies and the language of encouragement in order to help their peers persevere at learning tasks
• develop a willingness to take risks as independent learners

10-12 Continue to develop the understandings and abilities in the Elementary and Middle Levels in addition to the following:

• value learning for its own sake and as means to other ends (e.g., for spiritual, intellectual and emotional satisfaction)
• recognize the inevitability of profound change due to advancements in technology, changes in society's values and norms and be prepared to influence change by continuing to learn on an ongoing basis
• recognize that learning is continuous from birth to death (e.g., life experience)

To develop students' abilities to meet their own learning needs

Students will develop their abilities to:
K-5

• connect what they already know with what they are learning
• develop questions with a respect for facts, knowledge and social and cultural understanding in order to advance a search for information
• identify their own needs and interests
• focus on and complete learning tasks
• plan brief, self-directed projects and develop criteria for evaluation (with guidance of teachers as required)
• analyze and understand consequences of decisions and results of learning experiences
• work and communicate with others as a means to meeting learning goals
• reflect upon their thinking processes and how they learn

6-9 Continue to develop the understandings and abilities in the Elementary Level in addition to the following:

• look for associations among items of knowledge and extend these relationships through additional inquiries
• learn through synthesizing understandings, experiences, interests and needs
• make decisions based on knowledge of own needs and interests
• cooperate with teachers and others to determine and monitor their learning processes
• organize and manage time and effort with regard to self-discipline, finding resources, etc. in order to meet needs and goals
• construct clear, achievable goals and plan to meet them
• select learning methods appropriate for task and own learning style
• exercise choice with respect to assignment or topic selection, group processes, format for presentation
• negotiate and share responsibilities for own learning in socially acceptable ways
• interpret and report results of learning experiences
• transform their reflections into strategies for action

10-12 Continue to develop the understandings and abilities in the Elementary and Middle Levels in addition to the following:

• determine own learning needs
• decide when and how to request help in meeting learning needs
• develop independence (take more responsibility) regarding planning, monitoring and evaluating of learning experiences (e.g., using contracts; initiating conference with teacher, peers, or others outside of school; planning field trips)
• write up a proposal ¹⁴ for an individual project
• relate learning outcomes to prior and future needs
• understand that knowledge alone cannot produce wisdom, and that wisdom depends upon the interplay of knowledge, experience and reflection

To develop students' abilities to access knowledge

Students will develop their abilities to:
K-5

• understand the importance of libraries as collections of, and links to, information for people of all ages
• understand the role of the teacher-librarian as a guide in meeting individual learning needs
• seek out information from people who may be knowledgeable (e.g., teacher-librarian, other students, parents, teachers, elders, outside agencies and individuals in their community)
• conduct a search for resources or materials (e.g., using card or electronic catalogue, alphabetical order, indexes, Dewey Decimal System, bibliographic information, etc.)
• identify and appropriately use a variety of available resources (e.g., print, human, audio/visual, video/film, electronic database)
• identify and get help in using resources which are not familiar
• use resources individually, in groups and in a one-to-one relationship with another person
• note availability of resources related to a given topic
• scan resources in order to judge suitability
• recognize that limited resources need to be shared equally or returned quickly in order for others to benefit
• contribute to a catalogue of available resources (e.g., people, equipment, sites, experiences)
• use and enjoy the resources and services of the school and public library

6-9 Continue to develop the understandings and abilities in the Elementary Level in addition to the following:

• acquire information at one level, then apply that knowledge to explore other areas
• develop a personal catalogue of available resources (e.g., people, equipment, sites, experiences)
• arrange for guest speakers

10-12 Continue to develop the understandings and abilities in the Elementary and Middle Levels in addition to the following:

• seek information through a steadily expanding network of options, including other libraries, databases, individuals and agencies