Believe it or not but self-directed learning has been around for a while now. It’s only just started getting the recognition that it needs…
Believe it or not but self-directed learning has been around for a while now. It’s only just started getting the recognition that it needs…What do I mean by this?
Well with the way today’s workforce is changing, different learning techniques are emerging to fit in with how the people of today are going about their day-to-day- tasks.
One of these techniques is self-directed learning.
Self-directed learning means in its simplest form giving learners some sort of choice in their learning. Whether it being what they specifically would like to learn or how they would like to go about doing it.
The learning can be face to face workshops, off-the-shelf or bespoke elearning content, audios, videos, coaching – you name it!
So, here are a couple of things to bear in mind when wanting to achieve successful self-directed learning:
- Establishing Trust
The learner must be able to trust themselves. They have gained this extra responsibility; therefore they must develop the mentality to become an effective learner.
Without establishing this base, self-directed learning often fails or never gets started in the first place.
With this the learner must be able to self-discipline when it no longer becomes enjoyable (which it always should be if the self-directed learning is successful) and they no longer want to participate in the learning.
- Taking Initiative And Staying Persistent
The successful self-directed learner does not wait for someone else to say “this is what you need to learn”. Nor do they give up when the learning becomes tough. Learning takes time and practice.
It tends to be easier and more gratifying when the learner has established their learning style. With this they are able to learn in the way that is best for them, whether it be, visual, auditory, or kinesthetic there are techniques for all.
- Curiosity With The Strong Desire To Learn
The most successful self-directed learners often have high curiosity. They are constantly asking “why?” in desperate need to know more information about the topic.
A strong desire to learn is also an important quality for a successful self-directed learner. This is because they see learning as a positive path moving forward. Whether this be linked with their career plan or just their life in general.
Have you used self-directed learning? Does your company offer you a lot of self-directed elearning content to use?
What’s worked well for you?
As an eLearning company, Skillshub is committed to creating efficient and impactful learning experiences. Contact us to find out more.
We’d love to hear your thoughts.
Thanks again
Jenny Verman
