Self-directed learning in a powerful learning environment - design research into a support tool

Self-directed learning requires a powerful learning environment with a very clear structure and well thought-out design. Self-directed learning does not mean that the students have to process the material on their own.

Interessegebied: Education

Looptijd: 1/09/2020 - 31/08/2021

Financing: PWO

If there is one form of education that allows to take the individual characteristics of students into account as much as possible, it is self-study learning. Those who need more support will also receive it. Self-directed learning does not happen automatically. Students are given the opportunity to grow in this. Support is only phased out when the student is ready for it. An important approach to start with self-directed learning in an innovative learning environment is to be able to better deal with the uniqueness of different students in the classroom. Previous research has shown that teachers feel that they can respond much better to the diverse needs of students in this way than in the “classical system”. (Carbonez et al., 2020)

Our research above has also shown that teachers take on different roles for this: role model, creator and coach (Carbonez et al., 2020). Teachers still need support regarding the fulfillment of these roles and they need practical examples to shape self-directed learning in a powerful learning environment. They would like to professionalise themselves, but there is little supply in this regard.

With this follow-up study, we want to meet those needs by developing a professionalization tool for school teams. The aim of the project is to develop an instrument to support teachers in their didactic actions with regard to self-directed learning in a powerful learning environment.

When developing the professionalization tool, we want to pay particular attention to:

the individuality of each student (self-directed learning for all students)
the individuality of each teacher and the different roles they have to take on.
a powerful learning environment, taking into account the 7 principles for self-directed learning in powerful learning environments. (Carbonez et al, 2020)

It is important here that teachers are supported by concrete examples and applications in implementing self-directed learning in teaching practice. We are already lifting a corner of the veil. The tool will be called RouteZ. You are looking for your route in 'Self-directed learning'. We will keep you informed.