Raising a free learner is not one size fit all way

aising an independent learner is not a one-size-fits-all process - it involves a lot of tailoring to the individual child. Parents need to provide children with opportunities and resources that promote inquisitiveness and problem-solving while also teaching them self-regulation skills, goal setting, and organization habits.

Here is what Sugata Mitra says on Independent learning,  “If you give a group of children a set of questions and a computer with an internet connection, they will be able to find answers — whatever the difficulty level." I  totally agree, I have seen my son figure out a lot by himself, just by doing some research on the internet and with my help.

Here are a few tips that can help parents raise an independent learner:

1. Establish a routine - Schedule regular times for studying, exploring topics of interest, and doing homework. Developing consistency helps create structure and encourages productive habits.

My son starts his day by attending his online sessions from 9.30 am to 12.30 pm, he plays and has lunch. He spends some time playing some racing games and we also watch some videos together or play Geo Guesser. He likes to spend 1 to 2 hours web designing and coding.

2. Provide resources - Model research skills and encourage your child to explore topics of interest. Make sure they have access to a variety of resources such as textbooks, computers, library books, and educational websites. Give them space for quiet reflection and allow plenty of time for hands-on activities. The best part is that there is an abundance of resources everywhere we should not know what we need and there it is.

3. Set achievable goals - When it comes to learning anything new, goal setting is important. Start with small, achievable goals, and help children break down big tasks into smaller, more manageable steps.

Without goals, it's difficult to understand progress. So, I make sure to talk with my son every day about his progress and encourage him to work hard towards achieving his goals. I don't want to pressurise him to do a particular task but just help him remember what he decided. Sometimes Adi picks up little projects and works on them during his free time.

4. Teach self-regulation - It is important for parents to teach their children how to take responsibility for their own learning and regulate themselves. Model effective time management skills, such as setting aside time for breaks, and encourage children to take initiative with their work.

It's normal to be deviated from the goals at times, so I take this as a learning opportunity for my son and sit with him to discuss his mistakes and ways to improve.

5. Encourage exploration - Independent learners need to feel comfortable exploring their interests outside the classroom. Open up access to different resources that foster curiosity and learning opportunities.

I strongly believe that learning is not limited to textbooks alone and should involve play, experiments, and discussions. I try to encourage my son to explore his interests outside the classroom by giving him access to research tools, and educational websites and helping him make projects on topics of interest. He has a great curiosity for science so we often spend time looking up new innovations and reading articles.

6. Provide structure and support - Parents should be available to provide guidance and direction when needed, but also give children room to make mistakes and learn on their own.

I think parents have a major role when it comes to providing support and structure for their children. I try to do this by providing a safe and comfortable learning environment for my son, setting expectations, and giving him feedback on his progress. It is also important to remind him of the bigger picture - why is he working hard? What will be the payoff?

7. Model independence - As parents, we are role models for our children and it’s important to demonstrate a love of learning and independence in our own lives. Read books, explore topics that interest you, and set goals for yourself. Show them that learning is fun and rewarding.

When I was growing I looked at learning from a  very narrow lens, but today I want my son to learn about the world and all its wonders. So, I try to model independence by reading books, exploring topics that interest me, setting goals for myself, and encouraging him to do the same.

8. Accepting difference-  Not every child around is allowed to be out of school and be an independent learner. While most children follow a traditional path to learning, we should trust our children’s learning goals and respect their uniqueness.

Acceptance is the key when it comes to helping children grow as independent learners. As a parent, I try to understand my son's needs and provide him with the resources he requires in order to help him reach his potential.

I tell my son that he did not follow someone else's path and that he should never be afraid of being different. I want him to understand that everyone has their own strengths and weaknesses, so it is important to accept differences in opinion and approach when learning something new.

9. Keep Going- Becoming an independent learner doesn’t happen overnight. It takes time and a lot of practice to develop self-directed learning habits, so it's important for parents to keep motivating their children to stay on track.

There will be times when my son will get frustrated or overwhelmed with his work, but I try to keep him motivated by breaking down tasks into small achievable goals. I also praise his efforts and remind him of the importance of taking risks and learning from mistakes.

The most important thing is that his interest keeps him going.

10. Talking to people on a similar journey- Reach out to other parents who are also raising independent learners and share your experiences.

I believe that conversations with like-minded people can be an invaluable source of information, motivation, and encouragement when it comes to raising an independent learner.

By maintaining a supportive environment and providing resources, I believe that raising an independent learner is possible.

From my experience, I have learned that raising an independent learner is a journey with both highs and lows.

Overall, becoming an independent learner is not easy, but it can be achieved if parents provide their children with the necessary guidance and resources. It takes time and patience, but the rewards and satisfaction of seeing your child become an independent learner are well worth it.