Theories Of Independent Learning

better comprehension of the study.

Most early theories of psychology of learning were concerned in behavior practice. E.R. Guthrie (1886–1959) wrote that learning requires only that a response be made in a changing situation. Any response was held to be linked specifically to the situation in which it was learned. Guthrie (1886–1959) argued that learning is complete in one trial, which the most recent response in a situation is the one that is learned, and that responses (rather than perceptions or psychological states) provide the raw materials for the learning process. Similarly for E.C. Tolman (1886–1959) the essence of learning was the acquisition by the organism of a set of what he called Sign-Gestalt-Expectations. These referred to propositions

Hull (1884–1952) contends that Habits were depicted as stimulus-response connections based on reward. Comparison of these theories gives a way to major questions for empirical investigation in independent learning.

Independent

At its most basic level, it is “the ability to take charge of one’s learning” (Holec, 1981). “the learner’s control over the planning and execution of learning” according to Tough, Knowles.

Moreover according to Merriam Webster’s it is the capability of standing syntactically alone as a complete

Two other important elements, vital for the success of learning independently, are motivation and feeling confident enough to take decisions and act on them. You also need to appreciate the value of reflecting on your learning and deciding whether it has been effective or whether you need to try another approach.

Discussion of Independent learning frequently arises in the context of important issues such as Student-teacher roles and relationships, and the role of information and communications technology (ICT) in learning. Learning styles are one of those individual characteristics which could play a significant role in learning and teaching processes. A learning style is defined as the preference or predisposition of an individual to perceive and process information in a particular way or combination of ways according to Sarasin (1999). Leaver ,Ehrman&Skekhtman (2005) claims that they can also be considered as convenient shortcuts for talking about patterns of what an individual is likely to prefer as a learner .Nel (2008) further states that every learner has a learning style, consisting of a unique blend of instructional and environmental preferences, of information processing preferences, and of preferences related to personality;