7 minutes
Learning based on student self-management is increasingly widespread in the different educational systems of the world. We explain what it consists of in the following lines.
Self-management of learning is the process by which a student organizes and directs his own knowledge. It is also known by the name of self-managed learning, self-managing or self-regulating.
This system places the student at the epicenter of learning, turning him into an active subject. Just the opposite of what happens in traditional education, with the teacher as the absolute manager of the transmission of knowledge.
It is a learning that promotes autonomy and maturity of the person, among many other positive skills. Let’s take a closer look at its features and benefits.
What is self-management of learning?
Self-management of learning is a personalized training in which the student establishes the objectives they want to achieve. At all times decide what, when and how to learn. To do this, he plans, manages and distributes his own work, being himself the one who supervises its progress or setbacks.
Student motivation is the backbone of this type of learning. It is he himself who decides his goals based on his interests.
In this learning modality the teacher takes a secondary role, although also important: the facilitator of learning experiences. It becomes a support on which the student can lean; a kind of guide in the shade. It is there and it is appropriate for the student to know it, however, learning no longer revolves around its explanations.
Self-management of learning requires phases of prior observation, before acquiring a certain autonomy. Especially at an early age or when knowledge of the subject is limited.
Thus, the student watches the expert carry out the activity. He then proceeds to imitate the model, who facilitates the feedback. Little by little the student is more autonomous, until the moment comes when he is able to self-regulate.
What characteristics are needed to develop good learning self-management?
There are a number of personality characteristics that will make some people find it easier than others to achieve good self-regulated learning. However, they can be developed and enhanced to a great extent, so self-managed learning is within the reach of most.
Initiative
The student must make proactivity his modus operandi. Being a proactive person means don’t expect anyone to fix the problems. Taking the initiative, investigating and always looking for the best option are habits of the most decisive people.
Self-regulation
The self-regulating student is able to consciously manage their cognition, behavior, emotions and motivation to achieve the established goals. Finding the balance between these 4 aspects will mean being much closer to success.
Self reinforcement
The person who studies in a self-managed way must be able to find the strength, motivation and reinforcement needed to continue. And that is something that she will find within herself, since depending on external reinforcers does not remain in time.
Self-confidence
The learner who wishes to properly manage his learning must take into account that his confidence will be affected by the process. For that reason, it is important that you work on it.
A healthy confidence will allow you to detach from the results. At the same time, it will give you the security to continue exploring and learning.
How can this learning model be applied?
Specifically, the implementation of self-management of learning requires four phases:
- Approach to the task: the student evaluates his resources and his motivation before the new task.
- Goal setting: in this phase, you establish objectives and plan the steps to achieve them.
- Realization of the plan: this is when cognitive strategies take center stage.
- Reorientation: Self-assessment allows the student to assess their achievements, learn from their mistakes and reorient their goals if necessary.
In addition, to put learning self-management into practice, it is important to promote a series of strategies that help us achieve the final objectives. Although there are many theories in this regard, we can group them into three main sections, according to Suárez and Fernández (2016).
1. Cognitive strategies in self-management of learning
Within this section we would include the processes most related to the internalization of knowledge. With these strategies the student passes from one level of knowledge to another higher.
In order to carry them out, it is essential that the student master aspects such as knowing how to select the most important information, make diagrams, summaries and concept maps and learn various memorization techniques. You should also emphasize review and practice self-assessment frequently.
2. Resource management and control strategies
For a good acquisition of knowledge it is crucial that students know how to organize their study properly. Having a good planning is, without a doubt, one of the best ways to approach the self-regulated study.
For this, aspects such as the management of study time, promoting attention and concentration, studying in a suitable environment, developing persistence and a culture of effort must be taken into account.
3. Motivational strategies
Another of the key aspects to take into account for good self-management of learning is emotional self-regulation. Emotions play a key role in learning and knowing how to manage them facilitates the rest of the tasks.
To maintain good self-regulation, it is important to emphasize aspects such as intrinsic motivation, the development of a healthy self-esteem, proactivity, the proper management of expectations and knowing how to set concrete and realistic goals.
Final recommendations on self-management of learning
Self-management of learning is a learning modality adopted by many educational systems. The free schools they have been placing the student as the center of learning for a century. And everytime more traditional schools incorporate activities focused on self-management.
It is a system that facilitates motivation and active involvement on the part of the student. But, like any educational activity, it must be well planned and supervised. Otherwise, it is easy for the student not to know how to proceed.
Therefore, it is important that before the student can self-manage autonomously, acquire a series of strategies that allow you to gain confidence. Following a model, an expert or a teacher will be a good foundation.
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