Developing Self-Reliant Learners

Developing Self-Reliant Learners

It is important to help students become self-reliant. Self-reliant students learn to become independent in decision-making. They are likely to be focused, goal-oriented, confident in their abilities and committed to their learning. While some students become self-reliant on their own, others may require some direction. Here are four important skills that can help students become self-reliant learners:

Assuming responsibilities

Encourage students to take responsibility for their lives. Responsible students:

• Are aware of their roles, duties, tasks and schedules. This enables them to plan and prepare for their days.
• Are committed to tasks from start to finish.
• Own up to mistakes and shortcomings.
• Avoid blaming others or making excuses for their actions.
• Take corrective actions on their own.
• Persist in doing tasks even if they are tedious or boring.
• Face the consequences of their actions.

Being responsible empowers students to feel confident and in control of their lives.

Be skilled and knowledgeable

Equip students with skills and knowledge that can help them accomplish tasks on their own. Teach them:

• How to set realistic and attainable goals.
• Strategies and tips that can help with their learning.
• Organizational and time management skills to help them plan and schedule routines efficiently.
• To learn through exploration and experimentation to expand their knowledge and understanding of the world around them.
• To ask for assistance when required. For this, teachers must create a safe and positive learning environment. Students must share rapport with their teachers, have trust and confidence in them, and feel safe to confide and ask for help.

Be purposeful

From an early age, students must be encouraged to be purposeful with their actions. This can help them channel their time, actions and efforts towards that purpose.

Be confident

Present-day students may measure their self-worth based on their social media profiles. Students often rely on “likes” and “number of views” to feel validated and confident about themselves. This may sometimes be unhealthy, as students may struggle to differentiate their real lives from their “reel” lives. Teachers must therefore help students to:

• Be intrinsically motivated.
• Accept themselves for who they are.
• Be confident in their skills.

How can teachers help?

Here are some ways by which teachers can help students develop the skills required to be self-reliant:

Incorporate project-based learning: Project-based learning activities encourage students to:

• Be proactive in forming an action plan and implementing it.
• Practice time management and higher cognitive skills.
• Socialize and develop group dynamics.
• Gain confidence in their skills.

Allow choice: Give students the freedom to choose their own activities or methods of learning. When choices are given, students learn to:

• Assess and choose based on their strengths.
• Be responsible and accountable for their choices.
• Learn from their mistakes.

Grade activities: Initially, teachers can plan for short, optimally challenging activities to help students succeed and stay motivated. As skills and confidence increase, students can be encouraged to engage in more challenging tasks. Grading activities helps students to stay focused and complete tasks despite challenges and instill them with a sense of accomplishment.

Teachers must remember to reinforce and appreciate success.

Arrange for chores: Teachers can allot class chores to students to help them assume responsibility. Every week, teachers can arrange for a team of students to manage the classroom.

Time for self: Schedule in a “me” time for students to help them unwind. Students can be encouraged to use this time to explore and pursue their interests, reflect and re-energize themselves.

Encourage socialization: Encourage students to socialize and form friendships with their peers. Help students break the peer strata boundaries by mixing them up in group and paired activities. This is particularly important as it can help students to:

• Understand, accept and respect each other.
• Understand different points of view.
• Learn about different cultures.
• Resolve conflicts peacefully.
• Treat each other diplomatically.

In today’s world, it is crucial that teachers encourage students to be self-reliant, as this encourages emotional strength, value of self and others, and confidence in the face of challenges.

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