Learning Log No.4 Part 2

             I found Geoff Petty’s notes on Independent Learning to be very useful. As a university student, most work and assignments are done through independent learning. Independence became hugely significant in my last 2 years of highschool. It was at that stage where my friends and I were maturing quickly. Intelligently and emotionally. This played a huge part in education for us. We had to think for ourselves due to teachers giving less guidance as their confidence in us grew bigger. I learnt A LOT from this. There was at times where I struggled a lot with Biology. Since it was a subject I chose for my International Baccalaureate diploma, teachers were already expecting us to be 100% knowledgeable and capable of this subject. To an extent, I agree with this, but it wasn't always necessarily true, especially in my case. My mother suggested that I should go to a teacher for extra tuition hours. At first I was a little skeptical; I had little self-motivation. In the end I went with it and was very happy with that decision. I was offered with so much help and support. So where does the ‘Independent Learning’ aspect come to this story then?

      

               I was given extra work from extra tuition. Meaning, I had double amount of assignments and homework for Biology. This obviously stressed me out but I tried my best to push myself. Studying new things on my own gave me the encouragement to be better. I became more interested in the topics and enjoyed it even more when I saw that my grades were improving. The tutor also played a big part in my transition. She was organised, patient and oddly enough, very casual. She laughed and made jokes, which made the atmosphere comfortable for the both of us. 

              What I can take from this special personal experience is to be as patient as my tutor was. Patience shows faith in students, it also helps teachers know what resources to provide for students if ever needed. This is where I can step in as a teacher for Independent Learning. Give students resources/notes/textbooks based on the areas that they are currently learning or areas that need improvement. Be available to them and assure them that I am always there to help.