This book argues that independence in the classroom should be seen as beneficial for learners and also for teachers. Jill Williams makes a compelling case for a climate in which decision making is valued, where children are enabled to solve problems and where children and adults respect each others point of view, arguing that this will be a climate in which independence flourishes. In turn the benefits in terms of teaching and learning will be apparent for both the children and the teachers.

From birth, human beings are striving to make sense of the world. They learn through interaction, modelling first hand experience and independent action. Most children arrive at school with the notion that being independent and having the desire to take responsibility has been seen, in their homes, as a good thing. However, what often happens is that responsibility may be denied them in school and further bids for independence are viewed as negative behaviour. This book argues that independence in the classroom should be seen as beneficial for learners and also for teachers. Jill Williams makes a compelling case for a climate in which decision making is valued, where children are enabled to solve problems and where children and adults respect each others point of view, arguing that this will be a climate in which independence flourishes. In turn the benefits in terms of teaching and learning will be apparent for both the children and the teachers. The notion of independence in the classroom is explored through vivid cameos showing positive relationships between teachers and learners, inspirational classroom organization and management and examples of children taking their learning forward in an environment where they have choices. The careful monitoring, assessment and discussion of teaching and learning which is presented highlights the benefits for both learners and teachers when there is a focus on independence.

In a world of rapidly changing knowledge which requires new and transferable skills, classrooms are increasingly being viewed as places where pupils learn how to learn. In order to help pupils develop new skills, teachers must encourage them to work independently and manage themselves as learners. Learning for Themselves offers teachers a repertoire of effective strategies and frameworks to nurture independent learning. The chapters are organised into four broad areas: learning preferences thinking inquiry personal challenges. Each section includes learning tasks covering commonly addressed topics in primary school curriculums, with each task designed to be adapted by students and teachers to suit particular interests and a range of teaching and learning goals. Photocopiable learning proformas for each task, and additional proforma resources are included to assist teachers and pupils when planning, managing, monitoring and keeping records associated with independent learning. Saving valuable planning time for teachers, this book offers a creative and effective way to encourage pupil's independence and will appeal to all teachers who aim to equip their pupils with transferable skills.

Learner Independence = student success! This resource examines the importance of supporting students to become independent learners, thinkers, and problem solvers. Educators will find essential information, checklists, and useful tips for helping students learn to work independently, establish strong work habits, problem-solve, and develop authentic personal independence to serve them throughout life. The authors provide reflective questions and encourage teachers to reflect on how they teach and learn in order to identify practices that most effectively foster student self-sufficiency. The bookillustrates ways that teachers can nurture independence through: Assessment Classroom environmentDifferentiationEvaluationPlanning

This practical guide to promoting and developing independent learning is presented in a mixed format using both diagrammatic and textual stimulus. It offers tips and suggestions to achieve effective teaching and learning, and raises standards by enabling the pupil to become independent and responsible for their own learning; autonomous in their thinking and creative and critical in their understanding. Liz Lakin describes a progression away from dependency on the classroom teacher, whose role changes readily from teacher to facilitator. Drawing on practice-based research, she introduces the skills and processes associated with independent learning through established strategies such as ‘Assessment for Learning’, the use of ‘Active learning’ techniques, problem solving activities and peer-assessment. Each chapter presents tried and tested ideas, strategies and activities for the development of higher-order skills such as application, synthesis, evaluation and reflection, to use with pupils across the dependency spectrum. Several relate to the higher levels of attainment and are therefore applicable at Key Stage 3. The effectiveness of teacher/pupil feedback and the role of homework form a significant focus for the latter part of the book. "A truly-thought provoking, interactive book with a difference that takes teachers on a learning journey. It encourages us to reflect on how we learn, how our pupils learn and what the collective implications for effective teaching and helping pupils to construct their learning are.Reading and actively engaging with this book is indeed a learning journey, invaluable to practitioners. The text contains many invaluable references and deals with topics such as the value of homework, how people learn and how people respond to techniques addressee to hem in learning situations. An essential reading for practicing teachers and particularly students in training and their tutors." Dr Sue Dale Tunnicliffe, Senior lecturer in Science Education, Institute of Education, University of London, UK "There has never been a time when independent learning is more important in school science. In Developing Independent Learning in Science, Liz Lakin challenges the reader to examine how they teach science and why pupils respond as they do. The result is a book that should be of great value to those who teach science to 7-12 year-olds and to science educators in general. A particular strength is the way the author interweaves rigorous thinking about learning with activities for the reader to help them engage with the text. In addition, there is a mass of useful thinking in here and plenty of classroom suggestions. The book is worth reading simply for the honesty of the 'How not to climb Helvellyn' case study." Michael J Reiss, Professor of Science Education, Institute of Education, University of London, UK "In this book Liz Lakin involves the readers in the kind of independent learning that she in describing and advocating. It should enable practising teachers to stand back from their work to consider why we want children to learn in a certain way as well as providing useful ideas about how to do it. It is written in a personal and engaging style and is a unique addition to books on science teaching." Wynne Harlen, OBE, PhD. Visiting Professor of Education, University of Bristol, UK

Learning for Themselves: pathways to independence in the classroom offers teachers a repertoire of effective strategies and frameworks to nurture independent learning.