15 Ways of the Successful Self-Directed Learner

Another habit that has really helped me as a lifelong learner is breaking down a large goal into smaller pieces. This not only helps you get started down the road of lifelong learning, but also gives you a sense of accomplishment along the way. Don’t set out to be a master pianist – start out small, learn your scales, a favorite song, etc.

This is an amazing article!! TOTALLY LOVE IT!! I agree with the 15 ways. I discover I was doing some of these principles unconsciously.

Those 15 points describe a perfect student! The question is how to help a person who doesn’t want to learn! Like my friend who is crying about low-income work but doesn’t speak English and he just never studies it!

there may be many types of learning. Academic learning is one of them. revision is the key to improve it.
this is one of the best articles i have ever read. thanks for sharing with us

Very educative! I do procrastinate a lot, I have a lot to learn in organizing my time. Thanks for this article.

I want to express my profound thanks for sharing this knowledge,The point you indicated portrays the power in self learning and gives optimism for the feature.

You have just made it so easy for one to take on in life as a Go-getter. For even when no one else is there to push you up you can do it by self-direction. This is so encouraging and spiritful.

I am a student at the university of the people and I find this article so encouraging and gives me a great zeal believing I can succeed in my dreams while majoring in health sciences.

Hi,
This is exactly what one needs, to be able to make life meaningful in future by being a self directed leaner,this is what the University of the People expects from us.

I have found something totally useful for what am writing. Iit has validated what i have written in my yet to be printed auto. I have learned more from life experiences that from my degrees. I appreciate lifelong learning.

Good points have been highlighted concerning self directed and long term learning.I have been able learn something about this type of learning. People who have invented things or came up with new concepts are people who were self directed in their learning approach I believe.

[…] Lately, when I read about the online learning portion of blended learning programs, the emphasis seems to be heavy on personalization. Specifically, how online programs make it easier for teachers to identify individual student learning gaps, customize curriculums, track progress and differentiate instruction. Personalization is key; but I don’t seem to read enough about another important aspect of online learning, which is self-directed learning. […]

I found this article very interesting. I have taught English in for over 15 years and I can say that people who are successful language learners have all these qualities mentioned above. Thank you, it is a great article!

[…] For this list, I draw on Aaron Myers, Matthew Manning, Jeff Cobb, and the Centre for Teaching Excellence at the University of […]

Hello,

Thanks for sharing this knowledge. The points you outlined depict the strength of a self directed learner. They are insightful to me, a self directed student of the University of the People.

I really gained a lot, i am a student of UoPeople, i was directed here by my instructor, i think i will love to be such a learner, thanks for the tutor.

A self directed active learner is an explorer and inventor.

I think this was a great article and I can’t wait to share the information with my son.

I enjoyed the lecture because for the first time I was able to identify myself as a self learner, and I didn’t really understand because even at my age I eagerly love learning, but to acquire the knowledge mainly by myself, even tough when it takes a lot of “trial and error”. I also advise my students
“when in doubt find out”

I must admit that having read the points above I don’t feel as a 100% self-directed learner. But I will love to be and will work harder on ares I am lacking, especially notes taking. It is a pain for me.

I am a student at the university of the people and I am directed by my instructor to read it. I found it very interesting and helpful to see where I stand as a successful self directed student.

Hello Jeff Jacob,
I was reading through this for a school assignment and noticed a couple errors I thought I would bring to you attention.
In 8. Has a strong desire to learn or change, you stated she has the will to learn. depending on your intent is may need changed to he/she.
15. Enjoys learning
your children, you members, you employees, your students – you name it.)
you used you members, you employees, you should be changed to your.
I enjoyed reading this article and appreciate all the insight. Thank you.

I just discovered this blog on Lifelong Learning! This blog has excellent content, on the values of self-directed-learning, and being a passionate lifelong learner. I think the biggest point comes back to being a disciplined person, which requires a great deal of focus on your goals, and the work-ethic to remain committed. This is where motivation comes into play, and how one can constantly be improving in their self-discipline.

I will keep following your blog as I love the content just great stuff all around!

Justin,

Netcom Learning

For me, I set many milestones along the way so I could enjoy small accomplishment along the way.

This is a wonderful article. It is an eye opener and will go a long way to redirect students who have missed the right road to learning.

Hello Jeff
Your points are very spot on and it has help me to identify something i have being ignoring for a while now- critical thinking. critical thinking starts with asking the question “why”. i feel wanting to accumulate more knowledge by reading is slowly making me loose this ability. Does reading more impede critical thinking skills in any way?

[…] 15 ways of the successful self-directed learner — from missiontolearn.com by Jeff Cobb […]

for me every things depend of what you realy want to do if you are motivated it is true that you can overcome all the challenges

One more I would add be a readiness to learn from their own mistakes.

[…] Self Directed Learning: 15 Ways of the Successful Self-Directed Learner […]

[…] https://www.missiontolearn.com/2013/10/self-directed-learning-success/ […]

[…] While this isn’t exactly related to the association world, I felt as though it’s content was applicable to any industry. Perhaps my perspective is a bit jaded because I’m still in the world of academia, but it seems to me that the joy of learning should never end simply because there is no classroom. It should be a constant and lifelong process that brings with it both happiness and fulfillment. While there may not always be an accessible way to learn, this article offers some insight on the characteristics of he self-directed learner. […]

[…] https://www.missiontolearn.com/2013/10/self-directed-learning-success/ […]

[…] 15 Ways of the Successful Self-Directed Learner […]

[…] in OLDaily today that Stephen Downes will be discussing self-directed learning. Stephen linked to Jeff Cobb’s post about self-directed […]