por What is autonomous learning?
He Autonomous Learning It is a way of acquiring knowledge, ideas or attitudes that occurs independently by the learner. Traditionally, it has been considered synonymous with self-learning or self-learning, although in recent decades this term has been differentiated more and more from other similar ones.
Autonomous learning is considered to occur when an individual decides to proactively and independently acquire new knowledge. He takes responsibility for all aspects of learning, such as what topics to focus on, what methodology to follow, how to organize his time, and how to internalize what he is studying.
The idea that individuals should be autonomous in their learning was first proposed in 1981 by Henry Holec, who is considered the father of learner autonomy theory. Since then, there has been a great debate about what exactly this characteristic implies, and how it is possible to instill it in students.
Some authors consider that autonomous learning can only be carried out by individuals with specific personality traits. Others, on the contrary, affirm that we all have this capacity, and that it is only necessary to promote it through teaching and education in values.
Characteristics of autonomous learning
It is characterized by the ability of the person to direct their own learning process. This involves setting learning objectives, planning study, selecting appropriate resources, and evaluating one’s own progress. The people are intrinsically motivated to learn. They have a genuine interest and curiosity about the subject, which drives their commitment and persistence in the learning process.
Take responsibility for their own learning. Autonomous learners recognize that they are the main protagonists of their intellectual growth and strive to constantly acquire new skills and knowledge. autonomous learning requires skills to manage time efficiently and establish priorities in the study process. This implies an effective organization to optimize the time dedicated to learning. Autonomous learners are adept at searching for and selecting various resources that allow them to acquire the knowledge they seek. These resources may include books, online courses, tutorials, videos, learning communities, among others.
Types of autonomous learning
Some types may be the following:
Online learning or e-learning: It is the process of acquiring knowledge and skills through online educational resources, such as virtual courses, tutorials, videos, electronic learning platforms, among others. Autonomous learners can choose the topics they want to study and progress at their own pace.
Traditional self-taught: It is the type of autonomous learning in which a person studies and acquires knowledge by himself, using books, magazines, printed documents and other physical sources. The individual assumes full responsibility for learning it.
Project-Based Learning: They can address topics of personal or professional interest through projects. They are involved in the investigation, planning and execution of a certain project to delve into a specific topic and acquire practical and applicable knowledge.
Experiential learning: they can learn through experimentation and direct practice. They learn through trial and error, observation, and active participation in real-world situations.
Collaborative and community learning: Although autonomous learning implies that the person is responsible for their own learning process, it can also be combined with a collaborative approach. Learners can join online learning communities or study groups to share knowledge, ideas, and support each other.
Microlearning: it focuses on the acquisition of small amounts of information in short and frequent sessions. Learners can use mobile apps, podcasts, or short videos to learn at their leisure.
Interest-Based Learning: learners can follow their curiosity and focus on topics that interest them personally. This can increase intrinsic motivation and commitment to the learning process.
Factors influencing autonomous learning
Despite its many advantages, autonomous learning may not be the most appropriate option in certain contexts or for certain people. In order to achieve the best possible results with this strategy, certain conditions need to be met, which have to do both with the individual himself and with what he wants to learn.
Characteristics of the person
Not all individuals will achieve equally positive results when they carry out an autonomous learning process. Certain psychological and personality traits correlate with greater success in this domain, while their absence can make learning extremely difficult.
One of the most important traits in this regard is intelligence. This is because highly intelligent people tend to have an easier time solving problems, can find the information they need without too much difficulty, and are generally more logical and analytical, which helps them in this process.
However, intelligence is not enough to carry out correct autonomous learning. It is also necessary for the person to have cognitive flexibility, self-discipline, responsibility, creativity, and the ability to self-evaluate and detect their own mistakes.
Finally, despite not being as relevant as the other factors, certain emotional skills, such as the ability to self-motivate or resistance to failure, can be very useful when carrying out autonomous learning.
learning type
Not all learnings can be done solo. In some subjects, having a traditional teacher or a teacher can be very helpful and speed up the process.
In general, pure information learning is easier to do independently, while physical and mental skills are best developed with the help of a teacher.
Strategies for autonomous learning
Various researchers have tried to discover what is the most effective way to carry out good autonomous learning. Although a valid system has not been found for all possible situations, some basic principles have been detected that can help in this process.
Some of the most useful strategies for good independent learning are:
Create a series of clear and specific goals that are intended to be achieved with the learning process.
Look for models who have already achieved those goals, and detect what skills or knowledge they have that have allowed them to achieve them.
Investigate the most efficient way to achieve each of these skills, attitudes or knowledge.
Create an independent action plan for each of the lessons to be done, based on what has been detected in the previous phases.
Focus not only on the results, but on the learning process itself, for example, creating intermediate goals that increase intrinsic motivation when reaching them.
References
What is meant by independent learning? Retrieved from canvas.hull.ac.uk.
Autonomous Learning. Recovered from queesela.net.
Top tips for independent learning. Retrieved from brightknowledge.org.
Learner autonomy. Retrieved from en.wikipedia.org.