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The term independent study can be construed to be somewhat ambiguous in its meaning. In
the context of this paper, the term will be taken to mean directed study through a facilitated
learning process as prescribed by educational psychologists to enhance the learning potential
of adults and or to augment high level or deeper learning. The terms facilitated learning
entails that, teachers stop teaching and lecturers stop lecturing and instead became facilitators
of the learning process with learners taking more responsibility to their learning. University
of Southampton describes Independent study to mean that learners have to ³Take
responsibility for managing your own learning´ (University of Southampton, 2003), while
one distinguished adult educationalist, professor Philip Candy, describes independent study
as ³a process, a method and a philosophy of education whereby a learner acquires knowledge
by his or her own efforts and develops the ability for enquiry and critical evaluation´ (Candy,
1991).

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Concurring with Professor Candy¶s definition, given above, adult learners, more significantly
at masters¶ level, require the skills associated with independent study to help then achieve not
only their academic potential best, but also help them gain work essential transferable skills.
Independent study can be seen to be at the centre of the educational philosophy of active
learning, which encourages learners to be actively involved within the learning process. The
philosophy asserts the assumption that when learners became actively involved in the
learning process; they tend to become more effective and more self motivated, their self
efficacy as well as their sense of responsibility is increased together with their high order
thinking gravitas, which ultimately does not only results in them being more receptive to
what needs to be learnt but also to gain a deeper understanding. This can be supported by a
quote from the historical Chinese philosopher who wrote, "I hear and I forget. I see and I
remember. I do and I understand" (Confucius).

 
Given the above arguments, one can conclude that, Independent study is at the heart of all
adult and high level deeper learning, as demanded at Masters Level. By encompassing the



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above stated points, a high level learner is not only most likely to be academically successful,
but will develop work related transferable skills, which will ensure a successful working
career.

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Candy, P.C. 1991 celf-direction for lifelong learning Îossey-Bass Higher and Adult
Education Series San Francisco, California

Conficious

PETTY, G. (2004). Teaching Today A Practical Guide. (Third Edition). United Kingdom.
Nelson Thornes Ltd.

The University of Southampton 2003

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COTTRELL, S. (2005). Critical Thinking ckills; Developing Effective Analysis and

Argument. Palgrave Macmillan.

http://www.blurtit.com/q176205.html, Accessed on the 30th September 2010

http://www.brookes.ac.uk/services/ocsd/2_learntch/independent.html, Accessed on the 30th

September 2010



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