Defining the “independent learner” in UK Higher Education: staff and students’ understanding of the concept

Stephanie McKendry, Vic Boyd

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

The concept of the independent learner has become increasingly important within the higher education sector. However, there appears to be no consensus and rarely any clarification of what is meant by the term. As a result, students may fail to understand what is expected of them as independent learners, with implications for retention, progression and the student experience. This paper describes a research project that aimed to clarify what students and staff understood by the phrase. The results suggest that while most staff and students were familiar and comfortable with the concept, there remains potential for misunderstanding and confusion.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)209-220
Number of pages12
JournalInternational Journal of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education
Volume24
Issue number2
Publication statusPublished - 2012

Keywords

  • higher education
  • independent learning
  • Scotland

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