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Self-Learning is the Future: A New Paradigm for the 21st Century

Article  in  SSRN Electronic Journal · July 2012

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A.H. Sequeira
National Institute of Technology Karnataka
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A. H. Sequeira

National Institute of Technology Karnataka, Surathkal

Email: [email protected]

ABSTRACT

Self-learning is an individualized method of learning. The face-to-face teaching is going

and distance mode of education is becoming popular. Self-learning modules are designed

where the learner is free to choose what to learn, how to learn, when to learn and where

to learn. This flexibility is an important characteristic in open learning process. With the

advent of information technology for communication, the other modes of instructions are

slowly disappearing. The learner is getting accustomed more and more to non-formal

mode of education thereby shifting the preference to self-learning methods. Even most of

the print materials that come in to the market are meant for self-learning. The learner is

at an advantage to use this form of non-formal mode of education using self-paced

learning materials. The teaching-learning-evaluation all happens without face-to-face

interaction. There is no fixed time or fixed number of classes. To make this learning

process effective, it is essential for a trainer to have the conceptual knowledge of self-

learning approach and also the design of self-learning modules and materials. The

Trainer should also look at the three domains of learning viz., cognitive, affective and

psychomotor and the emphasis required while designing the learning resource material.

This paper discusses the features of self-learning approach and design of self-learning

Electronic copy available at: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2111057

The paper also highlights the use of Computer Assisted Learning (CAL) packages used

frequently for self-learning purpose.

1.0 INTRODUCTION :

Self-learning modules as the name implies are modules, which can be used by the

students for learning on their own and normally do not require any teacher help. Since

their use is completely in hands of students these are self-paced learning materials which

aid students to learn at their own pace and interest. The student is free to choose what

he wishes to learn, how he wishes to learn, when he wishes to learn and where ever he

wishes to learn. This flexibility in leaning is becoming more important these days. The

learning which resources could be used for self-learning a specially referred as self-

learning modules with presence of self-learning features.

2.0 WHAT IS SELF- LEARNING MODULES:

The Self-learning method is also called individualized method of learning. The students

who are not in direct contact with the teacher use self-learning modules and hence

referred as distance mode of education. It helps students who cannot attend a given

location at a given time, student who proceeds at own pace, where large number of

student are taught simultaneously and convenience. This approach is mainly useful for

student who cannot attend classroom teaching due to work commitments or because of

distance of travel. Self-learning modules are designed for both regular students who come

in direct contact with teacher and distance students. Most of the contents, as far as

Electronic copy available at: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2111057

designed for supplementing by teaching learning process in classroom, laboratory or field

work. Most of the print material that come are meant for self-learning but not actually

designed with self-learning features.

3.0 CHARACTERISTICS OF SELF-LEARNING MATERIALS:

A well designed self-learning material must have these highlights:

a. It should indicate what the leaner should be able to do before he can start with the

new unit; provide prerequisites.

b. It should indicate to the learner what he would be able to do after completing the

lesson/unit; provide objectives.

c. It should indicate to the learner whether he is making progress on the lesson/unit

by providing progressive evaluation of learning; providing self-checks and

feedback on the same.

d. It should indicate the learner that he has achieved the objectives of the unit;

provide assignments and feedback if necessary.

e. It should make the learner active; provide activities and feedback on same.

f. It should break the unit/lesson into manageable parts for study.

g. It should use simple and direct style of writing.

h. It should have logically embedded content which can be used by students

themselves without the help of a teacher.

i. It should unpack difficult concept and relate these to experience of learners.

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 j. It should converse with students in a lively and interesting style.

k. It should have proper access devices like heading, contents, objectives etc. so

that a student can enter into the content at desired location.

4.0 ADVANTAGES OF SELF-LEARNING MODULES:

The self-learning modules are specially written with particular course objectives in mind.

Further these are structured in such a way that students can learn from these modules

themselves. The modules must provide all functional help which normally a teacher would

provide in the conventional situation i.e. guiding, motivating, explaining, provoking,

reminding, evaluating progressive learning, discussing answers to questions and

enriching students with his experience.

The self-instructional module helps students in several ways. The develop hap of self-

learning among student, which is an extremely important skill for future. It helps a study

a portion of curriculum on their own. It also develop such skills which will motive them for

self-learning i.e. study skills, note taking skills, referencing skills etc.

5.0 SELF-LEARNING THROUGH INTERACTIVE AND REACTIVE LEARNING:

According to the learning theory, the best learning takes place when individuals are

actively involved in process of learning. This may require replying to question, choosing

a visual sequence to observe, or making other decisions as a person proceeds through

a lesson with media. Such activities can be important in group situations and especially

for individuals working by themselves. The term interactive learning is use to describe the

interplay between a person and media. When the learner moves through a sequential,

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 linear program, responding periodically to questions and receiving feedback on answers,

the material provide for reactive learning. Certain types of instructional media can be

directly design for interactive learning, while other, more conventional forms could be

adapted for reactive learning. Computer based instructions would be direct application,

while by modifying an available slide/tape program a reactive lesson can result. It is

necessary to examine the ways of planning and design of self-learning modules on

computer-based instruction, computer/video tape recording, computer/video disk, and

combinations of media (multimedia) that can be developed for interactive learning.

6.0 CONCLUSION :

Self-learning materials induce self-learning amongst students. Self-learning modules are

completely student centered strategy based. Face-to-face teaching and teacher-

centered teaching is going and self-learning is the future. The virtual classroom approach

is becoming more popular with the advent of revolution in computer software industry.

The learner has several options to select the media that is effective and convenient for

his learning.

REFERENCES:

1. ‘Teaching, Training and Learning’ – Ian Reece and Stephen Walker, Business

Education Publishers, London – 1997.

2. ‘Planning, Producing and Using Instructional Technologies’ – Jerrold E. Kemp et

al, Harper Collins College Publishers – 1996.

3. ‘Self-Learning Modules’ – TTTI, Bhopal, UK-REC project – 1998.

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