Teacher-Led vs Independent Learning

The ultimate goal for our children should be to create life-long learners. However, there is some debate on the best way to accomplish this. In particular for this posting is the question of teacher-led learning and independent learning. Teacher led learning is where the teacher presents information to the student and directs their learning on a day to day basis. There is a great deal of interaction between the teacher and student. Independent learning has many levels. The basic level consists of the teacher providing the materials and general requirements to the student and then leaving the student to meet the requirements. These can be presented as daily requirements or more long-term requirements (ie. finishing a course).

The question is which type of learning is more appropriate. I think that both types of learning are appropriate at different levels and different times. In classical education there are three levels that make up the trivium. In the first level students are more able to memorize information. These students need a great deal of teacher interaction to stay on task. This is also the time when basic study and learning strategies are established.

Once students have "learned the basics" they are able to then transition into independent learning. This transition requires a mix of both teacher-led and independent learning depending on their areas of strength a weakness. There are also times in even their best subjects that students may need a little bit more instruction and/or direction through additional learning. Students in this phase should not be left high and dry to sink or swim.

In the last phase of learning, students must understand that they are ultimately responsible for their life-long accomplishments and learning. At this point any student-teacher interaction that takes place should be focused on encouragement. Students must take ownership of their own learning and ideas.

Although these phases are assigned to certain age groups, it is important to know your individual child and their placement within these developmental categories. Transitions from one phase to another should only happen when your child is ready. This means, though, that sometimes and with some children the transitions can be difficult. Occasionally a bird has to be pushed out of the nest in order to learn to fly. As homeschoolers, we have the awesome ability to apply these phases of learning on an individual basis for each of our children. For this reason, our children should in the long run become able to soar with the eagles. Isn't that after all our ultimate goal?