This is the sixteenth in a series of posts explaining the Acton Academy Principles of Education.

Education Principle #16: Self-learning and Peer-to-Peer learning are essential in today's collaborative world

In your professional career, how do you learn? Does your employer recognize every time you need to learn something new and start teaching you or enroll you in a class? Probably not. More than likely, you've recognized a need to learn or understand something. This need to learn will force you to figure out the best source - whether it be reaching out to a colleague, an online source, perhaps a mentor, or referencing a book. In a classroom, this has tremendous advantages over traditional teacher-led instruction.

1. Students develop strong problem solving skills (They identify problems and think through effective approaches to finding potential solutions)

2. It creates a stress-free learning process (They choose what you want to learn and how you learn)

3. The learning experience becomes more meaningful (They have a clear purpose of why they are learning and how the information is relevant)

4. Learning is driven by curiosity, not a teacher (Provides motivation to learn and acquire knowledge)

5. Students choose the mode of learning they prefer (Books, YouTube, Peers, Other online resource, etc.)

There is little argument about whether friends influence your child. There is no question the impact friends have. Similarly, for most of us, the impact our colleagues have on our development and understanding of our work is tremendous. It's why peer-to-peer learning is so important, especially in light of how much importance we now put on collaboration and teamwork.

Is it easy? No, not always. It requires discipline to be able to do self-learning.

1. Be in the right frame of mind - Do students have the internal motivation to learn? With the proper guidance, the answer is usually yes. Children are naturally curious and learning is a reward.

2. Have clear learning goals - It's important students understand what they are trying to learn and how they can achieve it in a timely fashion. Think SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Timely) goals

3. Decide what tools you'll use - With the abundance of tools, its important to be flexible but also focused

4. Decide how you'll be assessed - There is no exam so its important for you to understand when you've grasped a topic to your needs

Source: Brighter Monday

Further Recommended Reading: The art of self-directed learning by Blake Boles