Independent learning is a common phrase, yet what it is and how to nurture it might not be so clearly defined. Put loosely: independent learning is when students set themselves goals to monitor and evaluate their academic development. Or, to put it another way, it is the ongoing, voluntary, and self-motivated pursuit of knowledge throughout one’s lifetime.

School is the skeletal framework for a student’s education. Nonetheless, extra-curricular activities, inspirational novels, trips abroad, friends and family collectively provide sustenance to a well-rounded individual. Learning does not and ought not to be limited to within the walls of a school. After school, during the school holidays, and upon graduation are prime times to motivate students to take up charge of their education.

Our Carfax Tutors are prime examples of this; Our English & Humanities Tutor recently completed an intensive online course in her free time to help students with difficulty in reading and writing.

Lydia said, “The course has strengthened my understanding of how to encourage - reading skills and comprehension from an early age, whilst also highlighting technological interventions that support writing development.”

Without the tools to learn independently, lifelong learning can be a challenging triumph to achieve and regulate in everyday life.

As for parents, there are many ways to inspire a child to take charge of their learning.

The first is to get excited about a student’s interest in them. If they can’t stop chatting about Ancient Greek Mythology, ask them how, why, who, when, where and what questions to stimulate their engagement with the topic. You can learn a lot about the given topic too!

Second, invest in “outside the box” resources to foster a creative approach to their given interest. If a student develops an intense interest in nutrition, for example: - you can walk them through a supermarket, encouraging them to analyse and discuss the varying ingredients in different foods. Employing a specialist tutor can also seek to provide bespoke, tailored tuition to your child’s interest – taking them far beyond the curriculum.

Third, modelling the enthusiastic, lifelong learner - you would like your child to become. Let them see you reading a book or engage them in debates about current affairs. During dinner, educate them about something you discovered recently and ask their perspective.

Finally, teach your child the tools to enhance their independent learning abilities. Involve them in decision-making tasks such as planning a family day out (which will involve research skills). Setting them a small research project they can undertake, encouraging them to be resilient in the face of challenges and exploit their creativity to solve problems

These life skills will set students up for an ever-changing and dynamic world and ensure they have the tools to cherish independent learning and become lifelong learners.

For more information about one to one tutoring, to book or meet our Carfax Education Tutors, call us now on +971 4 438 5276, email enquiries@carfax-education.com or visit: www.carfax-education.com

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