Introduction
As the adage goes ‘Knowledge is power’, and hence the more the knowledge one can acquire the more the power he/she will have. In line with this, a country which seeks to be powerful in all aspects will do its best to enable its citizens have the greatest knowledge possible. For one to obtain knowledge, learning has to take place since learning, broadly defined, refers to the acquisition of knowledge.
It is for this reason that there is the need for a very good learning system where the learners can come out to be useful members in the society. One such practical and relevant method of learning is the independent learning method.
This kind of learning focuses on making the learners able enough to conduct learning on their own in the future. This system should be highly encouraged as it ensures a continuous pursuit of knowledge by all people regardless of their age. However, the reader might ask, ‘What is learning?’
Literature review
One can define learning as the process of acquiring knowledge, which in this case is any new information that one previously did not have but has now received. In fact, Lindsea defines learning as the “…process in which people consciously takes their self farther away from ignorance…
Ignorance, she says, is the lack of knowledge, the inability to understand something without guidance from an outside force and the willful act of not learning” (1). She views that the outside forces that guide the ignorant are teachers who in this modern times take charge of the students’ learning for thirteen years and are responsible for giving them the foundation that will see them through their lives.
In psychology, the behaviorists define the learning process as a permanent change in behavior brought about by experiences. According to Cobb, “learning is the lifelong process of transforming information and experience into knowledge, skills, behaviors, and attitudes” (2).
In this definition, Cobb seems to combine all the above definitions since he mentions both acquisition of knowledge and the impact of this in making students more informed and concerning the changing of their lifestyles that follows the learning process.
In application to pupils, one can thus describe learning as the whole process where pupils receive new information and are able not only to understand it but also to apply it in their daily life activities. Of paramount importance is the introduction of independent learning to pupils.
Another concept advanced from the idea of learning is that of independent learning. Independent learning, often referred to as “self-directed learning, involves pupils taking the initiative in recognizing learning requirements and undertaking activities to meet them” (Cobb 16).
This, as according to highlands school virtual library may involve at one level providing pupils with “extension” work for them to do individually. On another level “it may present pupils with an extended block of work in which they must formulate strategies to accomplish the task or tasks” (Cobb 24).
In fact, the Oxford center for staff and learning development states, “Independent study is a process, a method and a philosophy of education whereby a learner acquires knowledge by his or her own efforts and develops the ability for enquiry and critical evaluation” (Candy 4).
Moreover, the students of St. Katherine’s school on their part declare independent learning as one that “entails work set by teachers involving research, planning, creative work and preparation for work within school given to the pupils” (13).
All these definitions though from different institutions and personalities all agree that independent work involves giving the pupils a chance to learn on their own. Homework, as the paper unveils, is quite crucial in fostering this independent learning.
Providing pupils with homework contributes a lot towards developing students into independent learners. Unfortunately carrying out this mode of learning may not be very easy in schools since it is a common belief that pupils are taken to school to be taught and teachers have been employed by the school purposely to teach these pupils.
It will therefore not be a minor case for teachers who would leave all the learning for the young pupils to do on their own. Because of this, the desire to bring up pupils who can also learn independently has seen the introduction of homework where after receiving the teachings, a pupil is given work to go and do without the teacher’s guidance.
All the pupil has to do is no more that adhering to the teacher’s instructions concerning the work. Through the practice, the teacher targets to enable the children learn and do more practice all by their own. Early childhood education seconds this for “it upholds homework declaring it as an important extension of classroom learning.
According to the fanatics of this subject, homework helps in cementing the ideas, which students learn (or should be learning!) at school” (Cobb 45). It assists in increasing their memory capability thereby broadening their understanding of the things taught in class.
Neston High school sing the same tune for its view is that the importance of homework is to encourage students to develop the skills, confidence and motivation needed to study effectively on their own. This, they say, is vital given “the importance for students in the future of life long learning and adaptability” (Dolan Para 7).
These two views affirm the view that, by allowing the pupils to do some work on their own, they develop a character of independence where they are able to do things other than homework on their own.
For instance, they develop independence when it comes to decision making as well as planning for their goals in life. One can tell an independent learner from a group of learning because independent learners depict some outstanding characteristics.
There exist quite a number of characteristics of independent learners. Once students develop fully the trait of independent learning, they automatically begin showing characters that other pupils not undertaking this program will definitely not have.
The oxford center for staff and learning states, “…pupils who are independent learners think and act autonomously… have the ability to realistically appraise their own shortcomings and have effective approaches to self-management” (Caxton 78).
These pupils also are self-reliant, can make informed decisions about their learning, are aware of their strengths and weaknesses, connect classroom learning with the real world, and take responsibility for their own learning.
They know about “…different strategies for learning, plan their learning and set goals, are intrinsically motivated by making progress in learning, often reflect on the learning process and their own progress” (Mynard and Sorflaten 45)
After knowing all these, one should also beware that there are many styles of learning each of which aims at accommodating the many types of pupils. Not all pupils will find the same type of learning favorable for them. In fact, it is very possible to find two pupils equally bright but not favored by the same learning style. These styles differ from child to child mainly because of their psychological differences.
A structured lesson is among the many styles of learning. Most students learn best when there is “a logical sequential, delineated lesson that provides the objective and systematic steps to do the assignment “ (Cobb 33). This type benefits from use of materials during classes. However, some students do not like much structure. They appreciate being given choices or any styles that upholds their creativity.
In addition, many students prefer working in groups rather than as an individual. This has proved to be a working strategy for such students. For those who are peer learners, “the issue of pairing with another student when possible stands out…However, one ought not to force those who are self-learners into a group/peer-learning situation, as it might not work out well for them” (Dialbo Valley College 47).
The listening learning style suits students who prefer speeches from well-informed people. In fact, Keefe observes, “While people consider lecturing as the least effective teaching method, some students learn best by simply listening. These students may also be more sensitive to outside noises” (29). There is another category of students, who prefer learning through observation as a learning style.
They find it easy through going by the guidelines presented for a given text and by observing them to the latter, they end up widening their knowledge. When studying, it is helpful for these students to “use different color highlighters or pens as they are reading and taking notes.
The students may also be more sensitive to visual distractions” (Keefe 45). According to NDT Resource Center, “Some students really increase their learn potential when they are give opportunity to do something by themselves especially in a science classroom, there should be plenty of opportunities to learn by doing” (12).
During a study process, some learners develop some funny behaviors for instance tapping fingers or chewing papers or gums. Although the behaviors occur naturally influencing the understanding or thinking capacity of the affected students, one ought to understand that such actions might turn as obstacles for the students who do not practice them.
As Keefe observes, ”the human body is built to move and it does particularly like to sit still for long periods. Therefore, as a learning style, students need to stand, stretch, and take short breaks as needed during studying. It is good to study for 20-30 minute followed by a brief break between each block of time” (47). Statistically, the brain requires a half a minute to refresh in readiness of accommodating new ideas.
Despite homework being so useful to a student’s life and academics, it faces huge challenges based on the age, gender as well as the religion of the pupils involved. It thus requires teachers to come up with strategies that will make the doing of homework both easy and challenging and interesting (Vark 5) for instance, giving clear and appropriate assignments.
Assignments should not be too hard or perceived to be busy work. The teacher ought to extract the assignment questions from what he/she has taught. Teachers further ought to employ the relevant study skills that suit their students as this has been proved as among the many working strategies. In fact, the poor performance registered in many schools comes because of the teachers’ failure to employ the relevant study skills.
In addition, some students require guidelines in their studies, as this helps them in identifying what is/is not required for their studies. The inclusion of working calendars too much concerning the performance of many students.
Homework accounts for “one-fifth of the time that successful students invest in academic tasks, yet students complete homework in environments over which teachers have no control, given the fact that many students experience learning difficulties” (Chopin 88) hence creating a major dilemma.
Teachers and parents of students must communicate clearly and effectively with one another about “…homework policies, required practices, mutual expectations, student performance on homework, homework completion difficulties, and other homework-related concerns” (Warger 57).
Below is an example of science homework for 11-12yrs olds who are in grade 7. The pupils ought to take a maximum of thirty minutes in doing the homework. The following drawing addresses the issue of mutuality among marine organisms. During daytime, the organisms inhale or exhale (a) or (b) as pointed by the arrows.
1. Identify the best option between (I), (II), (III) and (IV) which gives the right answer corresponding to both (a) and (b).
- (a) Oxygen (b) Carbon dioxide
- (a) Sulfur (b) carbon dioxide
- (a) Oxygen (b) Nitrogen
- (a) Carbon dioxide (b) oxygen
2. Which category of food do green fruits and vegetables provide?
- Proteins
- Starch
- Vitamins
- Carbohydrates
3. During the winter, reptiles like snakes consume the least amount of food and move the least to the level of not moving at all. However, birds depict the reverse. What is the reason behind this?
- Birds have no feathers and need to eat and move a lot to keep them warm
- Snakes need to lie dormant during cold seasons unlike birds, which need to consume much food to maintain their body temperatures
- Snakes and birds have cold-blood systems
- none of the above
4.
Considering the above table, which of the following statements is true?
- The more the light on the surface, the more the oxygen
- As the depth increases, the oxygen production increases
- Increase in pressure increases oxygen
- There is no relationship between location and the amount of oxygen produced
5. Insects have
- 2 legs and one eye
- A cold-blood system
- Three body parts
- No legs at all
6. The melting of a candle is an example of
- Physical reaction
- Chemical reaction
- Photosynthesis
- Both physical and chemical reaction
7. When a stable atom is deprived of one or more electrons, it becomes
- A Solid
- An Ion
- A liquid
- Non-magnetized
8. The process by which plants make their own food is called
- Hydrolysis
- Photosynthesis
- Homeostasis
- Metamorphosis
Teachers play a very crucial role in developing independence in students. Much of what this paper has unfolded relates to students. However, it takes the hand of a teacher for the students to become independent learners. Teachers of course are the main driving force in this project as they determine much concerning this program of learning.
The teacher must be willing to help the student all through the program. “Recommended ways that teachers can improve communications with parents include encouraging students to keep assignment books and providing a list of suggestions on how parents might assist with homework” (Chopin 98).
For instance, the teacher might request parents to keep on checking whether their kids do their homework properly and on a daily basis.
Moreover, the teachers can “…provide parents with frequent written communication about homework (e.g., progress reports, notes, letters, forms) and Sharing information with other teachers regarding student strengths and needs and necessary accommodations” (Warger 12). This paper further seeks to give recommendations for teachers concerning the development of students into independent learners.
Conclusion
Based on the expositions of the paper, it is quite vital to develop the issue of independence in learning. Independent learners end up becoming useful people in the society as they are in a position of making informed decision concerning matters affecting their societies.
However, schools are the fountain of knowledge in every community and their products should be people who after parting from their teachers continue learning on their own. As such, it is very advisable to adopt the program of developing students into independent learners.
Use of homework will greatly assist in this since when doing homework the students slowly develop the trend of being able to seek for information on their own. Teachers should therefore insist on homework for students as it promotes independence in learning provoking the students into thinking past the classroom lessons.
It should also entail many applications as learnt in class. Finally, it should be made as interesting as possible so as to enable the student accept it easily and gladly. Therefore, with these issues incorporated in learning, the students will find it easy to nurture independence in learning.
Works Cited
Candy, Phillip. Staff and Learning Development. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2009.
Caxton, Joan. Education for the Information Age. Oxford: Oxford UP, 2003.
Chopin, Habert. Homework: The Key to Independent Learning. Oxford: Oxford UP, 1997.
Cobb, Jeff. Mission to Learn. Britain: Rutledge, 2009.
Dialbo Valley College. Learning Styles Survey. London: Longmans Publishing, 2000.
Dolan, Mal. Independent Study Review, 2010. Web.
Keefe, Brian. Learning Styles and Preference. New York: East gate Publishing, 1979.
Lindsea, Kate. Independent Learning. UK: Word Press, 2010.
Mynard, Jo, and Sorflaten, Robin. Learning Enhancement Center Coordinators. UAE: Zayed University, 2003.
NDT Resource Center. Understanding Different Learning Styles. Oxford: Oxford UP, 2001.
Neston High school. Learning: A process. UK: Word Press, 2011.
St. Katherine’s school. Developing independent learning. UK: Word Press, 2010.
Vark, Yegon. A Guide to Learning. London: Longmans Publishing, 2003.
Warger, Cynthia. Five Learning Strategies for Teaching Students. UK: Word Press, 2001.