Self-directed learning, meaning the ability to learn independently and successfully control and manage learning tasks, is a frequently talked about concept in higher education. It involves skills such as identifying personal learning goals and gaps, researching appropriate tools and resources, and applying learning strategies that fit the needs and abilities of the learner. In the CTL we have noticed increased discussions among faculty looking for guidance and tips when it comes to further developing students’ self-directed learning – particularly tips for how to help students with this without taking away precious class time. Luckily, there are tools that can help you with this task!
Staff and faculty at the University of New Hampshire created the Student Cognition Toolbox (SCT), a short course introducing and providing practice in study strategies that are informed by the science of learning research. The toolbox is comprised of a set of online modules that instruct students on study strategies and offer application activities and self-assessment tools. The SCT is available via the Carnegie Mellon University Open Learning Initiative platform. Both, a free version (does not include the self-assessments) and an instructor-initiated version ($10 per student) are available. The paid version can be integrated into your Canvas site and you can assign students to complete the modules as part of your class for credit or as supplemental material. The SCT offers seven versions specific to disciplinary academic content to illustrate the study strategies included within the field: psychology (used in courses in many disciplines), anatomy and physiology, anthropology, biology, chemistry, physics, and statistics. By the time students finish the course, they will be able to:
- Obtain a personalized inventory of their study strategies.
- Identify learning circumstances appropriate for each study strategy.
- Evaluate the efficacy of different study strategies.
- Apply effective study strategies for the context of what they need to learn.
References:
Overson, C.E., Kordonowy, L.L, Calawa, J.F., Tappin, E.M., & Benassi, V.A. (2023). The Student Cognition Toolbox: Empowering students to become better learners. In C. E. Overson, C. M. Hakala, L. L. Kordonowy, & V. A. Benassi (Eds.), In their own words: What scholars and teachers want you to know about why and how to apply the science of learning in your academic setting (pp. 434-443). Society for the Teaching of Psychology (APA, Division 2). https://teachpsych.org/ebooks/itoweachpsych.org/ebooks/itow