Also known as learning by oneself, self-directed learning in its largest sense refers to individuals ability to taking initiative to identify their own learning needs, their ability to determine their learning goals, their ability to define the sources they need in order to learn, their ability to choose/use. The notion of self-direction can suggest independence rather than dependence; the ability to make choices independent of others and manage our actions and lives without external forces influencing or dictating what we should do.
Self-studying is a learning method where students direct their own studying—outside the classroom and without direct supervision. Since students are able to take control of what (and how) they are learning, self-study can be a very valuable way for many students to learn. Children taking ownership of their learning can develop a breadth of knowledge for themselves. Self-learning is an important skill for children as they journey through education and beyond to adulthood, building independence and ability to progress without reliance on a teacher.
Some researchers have highlighted the motivational component of self-directed learning, arguing that this kind of learning is effective because it makes students more willing and more motivated to learn. … The active nature of self-directed learning also helps us in encoding information and retaining it over time. When you are teaching yourself, there is no competition, and no deadline. Staying motivated to complete things on your own initiative is hard, because there is no consequence if you don’t get things done. … There may be no teacher or guidance, but you are learning something simply out of interest.
Although new discoveries prove that timing may not be everything, it is important if you want to create and perform at your best consistently. That said, science has indicated that learning is most effective between 10 am to 2 pm and from 4 pm to 10 pm, when the brain is in an acquisition mode. The self-study approach to learning is challenging and rewarding in equal measure. While it takes plenty of grit and determination to create a study schedule and stick to it, the process comes with a set of distinct benefits that are hard to ignore. If you have just embarked on your self-study journey,here are six valuable strategies – or techniques – that’ll help you navigate the difficulties and sail through with ease:
Find the Right Spot:
A good study environment lets you achieve a deep level of concentration. Choose a spot that has the least distractions for you. It could be the quiet neighbourhood cafeteria, the public library, the corner of a student lounge, the campus lawns, or your own study space at home. Choose more than one spot, just in case boredom creeps in.
Shun Distractions:
Streamline your study sessions, bringing only the most important resources. Usually, a laptop or smartphone will distract you. If you need the devices, make sure their use is only confined to learning purposes. Turn off notifications, close all browser tabs for social media, and use apps for setting a daily limit on the amount of time you can spend at certain sites.
Avoid Peer Pressure:
Steer clear of the temptation to check on your friends’ study progress. If they’ve covered less, you might feel discouraged and nervous and begin focusing on quantity instead of quality. If you’ve covered more, you might begin feeling smug, allowing your preparation to slacken at a crucial moment.
Become a Teacher:
Without looking at your notes, try revising aloud in your own words as if you were a teacher explaining the concepts to a class. This will help you retain information. Also, like a teacher, prepare questions and create a quiz that includes topics you aren’t sure about. Say the answers aloud or write them down, checking them yourself and making corrections wherever required.
Work Hard, Work Smart:
Set a rigorous study schedule and stick to it. Incorporate several, short but intensive study sessions, which means 25-30 minutes of intense study followed by a short break. Also known as the Pomodoro Technique, this study strategy is known to maximize learning efficiency and productivity. Make sure you set aside equally brief sessions for self-testing to eliminate procrastination.
Reward Yourself:
A study reward system will help put in motion a positive reinforcement cycle around your studies. Reward yourself for an intensive study session or for reaching a learning target with a social media break (don’t overdo it!), your favourite coffee drink, or your most beloved television show. Create a system of multiple rewards to keep yourself motivated. Most of all, you must maintain a positive attitude and stop dreading your study hours or wallow in self-pity. Instead, remain cheerful, think of the outstanding career you are working towards, and take good care of yourself with adequate sleep and a nutritious diet. Today, the internet is teeming with options to help you self-study better. For instance, top online learning platforms like Unacademy enable you to test yourself with mock tests and quizzes and plan and track your revision with a study planner.