Principles and Techniques of Veterinary and AH Extension

SELF LEARNING 

Definition

Self learning is one in which the student assesses his or her own learning needs and goals and then plans and implements how to attain those goals. According to Malcom knowles (1975), self learning or self-directed learning describes a process “in which individuals take the initiative, with or without the help of others, in diagnosing their learning needs, formulating learning goals, identifying human and material resources for learning, choosing and implementing appropriate learning strategies, and evaluating learning outcomes.”

Principles of self learning

Self learning is based on three key principles of learning

• Building on prior knowledge
  • Learners use current knowledge to understand and structure new information.Making the linkages between what is known and the new information is important and will aid learning.
• Learning in context
  • The closer the resemblance between the situation in which something is learned and the situation in which it is applied, the more likely knowledge transfer will occur and new knowledge will be retained.
• Elaboration of knowledge
  • Information is better understood and remembered if there is opportunity for elaboration, discussion, answering questions, critiquing, teaching others. Talk about your new knowledge, work in discussion groups, learn with others, set up learning teams or learning circles to facilitate this.

Assumptions

Self learning is seen to be based on the belief that the learners

• are self-motivated
• are self-directed
• prefer learning in an environment that fosters active involvement, builds on experience, and provides practical material
• are highly motivated when they actively control the learning process
• learn best when they are involved in problem-solving activities.

Stages in self learning

• Diagnosing learning needs
• Selecting personal learning goals
• Selecting appropriate strategies
• Differentiating the important from the unimportant
• Integrating material from different sources
• Monitoring achievement and outcomes
• Monitoring effectiveness of ones learning habits

Advantages of self learning

• Self-directed learning actively involves the learner in the process of learning (active) rather than just being a passive recipient of information.
• It can promote critical and creative thinking.
• It assists in encoding learning into long-term memory. In other words what one learnt in a self-directed way, he/she tend to remember better and longer.
• Learner is more attentive, because he/she follows his/her own learning plans based on his/her personal learning needs.
• Permits learning at ones own pace and in according to his/her own learning style preferences. One learns skills of goal setting and problem solving.
• It promotes application of knowledge.
• Helps build learning on what one know.
• Learning is life long and the learner is fully responsible for his/her own learning.
• One gains independence in the learning process.