SELF-LEARNING

The concept of self-learning developed when teaching methods meant for all members
of a group failed to meet the varying needs of individual students. The underlying
assumption in this method of instruction is that human beings learn many things through
their own efforts. Every individual has a natural desire to learn on hisher own. Another
assumption is that every individual is unique; he or she learns according to his or her
abilities. Hence, any teaching system based on presentation of information to a group
cannot take into account the wide variations in the rates at which individual students
learn. As the students entering different stages of education vary in their abilities, interests
and needs, there is a pressing need for a wide range of instructional alternatives, which
may cater to their individual differences.
Self-learning is the only panacea for such needs. The most common description of selflearning
methods is that teaching is directed towards individual students rather than the
group of students. However, self-learning is not synonymous with independent learning
or learning in isolation from other students. Self-learning may encourage independence
from the teacher; this, however, is not usually the main aim. During self-learning, the
students do not necessarily work in isolation form their peers.
The main characteristics of self-learning are:
Emphasis on learning rather than teaching
Recognition of individual differences
Active learner participation
Working at one's own pacelself-pacing, and
Provision of feedback and evaluation.
Self-learning as a method of instruction has certain advantages which make it more Organizing Learning
Experiences at Micro-level suited to the students. They are:
The students learn more effectively when they learn on their own. Self-learning
develops critical thinking in handling of study materials on ones own and enhances
communication skills and self-reliance.
Self-learning prepares the student to face the problems in hisher real life
Learning on one's own is more enjoyable, exciting and rewarding.
Self-learning promotes self-discipline in the students.
Open and Distance Learning System (ODLS) is primarily based on the principles of
self-learning. Learners of ODLS acquire learning experiences organized through selflearning
methods and media. ODLS makes use of several self-learning methods or
inputs to organize learning experiences. In this unit, we will discuss a few of them. Of
all self-learning inputs; self-learning print material constitutes the most important and
is often considered the mainstay of ODLS. Let us discuss the main characteristics of
self-learning print materials