Originally published here.
I have decided I want to participate in critical skills (#crit101) as I wanted to gain new skills to become a more developed, independent learner. Having more independence will help me with my studies due to the fact I depend on others, such as my peers to help and reassure me.
How do you define independent learning? Can you learn to become a more interdependent learner?
Before reading the articles and videos I have been provided with the thought that independent learning was learning and working on your own but using resources such as the internet and books for guidance. Although, now, I feel that independent learning does not restrain you from asking your peers or people with wider knowledge (teachers) to help you with the work. Consequently, independent learning for me, is a very important part of my studies as an a A level student as I am required to learn and study on my own, outside of the classroom. However, I am aware now that learning and revising with my peers is also independent learning thus I can now try to develop my skills further due to the fact I can gain knowledge from my peers judgments and interpretations.
I think becoming an interdependent learner can be quite difficult. For myself, I sometimes struggle to obtain self motivation which can depict on the outcome of my attitude and even my grades. However, this is because I originally assumed self determination was a characteristic not something that you can achieve by thinking in an opposing way. From reading the articles and videos it is evident to me that becoming an interdependent learner is something which someone can achieve by having a positive attitude. I think, learning to be more optimistic with the way I learn can link into becoming a more interdependent learner.