Independence does not ‘just happen’. It is a culture in the
classroom and it is structured. It is encouraging failure and questioning. It
is the pupils working harder than the teacher, or, at least, being encouraged
to. It will not happen overnight and takes as much planning as a didactic,
teacher led lesson.
Below are a series of points and ideas that can help you to
develop a culture of independent and co-dependent learning in your classroom.
To develop independence:
Say less. Step back and allow the pupils to fail. Making mistakes is acceptable
and normal, and nobody should fear it.
It is more of a style
than a resource. It must be built up
over time. This could be during the development
of skills or knowledge, leading to a time when the pupils can approach the
work without you. Let them go, don’t fear
losing control.
Constantly expect
independence. Questioning is
vital – both your questions, and, perhaps more importantly, the pupil’s questioning. Encourage difficult questions. Challenge their ideas.
Use focused group
work to refine skills and develop co-dependence.
Encourage them to ask each other
before they ask you.
Frame your
lessons differently. Use questions
instead of objectives. Expect them
to interrogate and analyse the outcomes so that they fully engage
with them. Never have them copy anything
blindly. Make them think from
the moment they enter your room.
Plan for
independence. Build up a range of techniques
that they can use for a certain type of task. Differentiate so it is accessible. Allow some range of choice, where appropriate, so that tasks can be completed
independently. Set work in the zone of
proximal development – it must be attainable, but challenging. Assessment
will help you plan effectively for this.
In summary – step back, say less, challenge
more, encourage failure, encourage difficult questions. Make them think
