Self-directed learning is about taking the initiative and ownership in what you learn and how you learn. Most self-directed learning strategies suggest four areas to focus on:
- Self-Management
- Self Monitoring
- Self Motivation
- Self Modification
Let’s take Nomo as an example.
In self-management, her aim is to plan and manage the learning process. What actions should she take; what resources does she need; and how should she manage her time?
In self-monitoring, Nomo should reflect on how she learns best, what learning strategies work for her, and how the new knowledge gained modifies or adds to what she already knows.
In self-motivation, Nomo needs to create learning outcomes and activities that will drive her to start the learning and to stay on task and persist.
And finally, in self-modification, Nomo will use the new knowledge she has learned to change how she works on future activities and tasks.
This is an ever repeating cycle – for all of us – to add to our knowledge, skills and behaviours, as we learn how to learn and put what we know into practice. In 1972, UNESCO’s Faure report described it succinctly as:
Learning To:
- Know
- Do
- Live together (with others)
- Be
Good words for today.