8 Benefits Of Self-Guided Learning for Homeschooling Students

Homeschooling your child doesn't mean they only have to follow a set curriculum. There are still ways you can still give them the opportunity to learn things on their own schedule and at their own pace. Self-guided learning is one method that parents or teachers can do to ensure they're not missing out on any important lessons. But does self-guided learning work? Read on for more information about how it benefits children. 

What Is Self-Guided Learning?

Self-guided learning is when students are given assignments and tasks to complete themselves. In some cases, the student will be given materials to use and instructions on what needs to happen next. However, in other situations, there may be no clear guidelines and the student must figure out what to do by themselves. This type of learning style allows children to explore topics and discover areas of interest for themselves.

How Does Self-Guided Learning Benefit Your Kid?

Self-guided learning gives your kid the opportunity to take ownership over their learning process and make sure they get everything they need to know. Here are some ways it benefits your child:

1. It helps develop independence.

Ei360 Homeschooling Data

As long as your child has access to resources like books and online courses, he/she should be able to go through the steps necessary to learn anything new. When they aren't being told exactly what to do, they'll naturally start thinking outside the box and try to find solutions to problems. They'll also be motivated to seek help from others if they need it. Allowing your child to learn independently doesn’t mean that they will feel helpless and lost in a sea of knowledge. Instead, they'll gain confidence and become independent learners.

2. It enhances their problem-solving skills.

When your child isn't following a set curriculum, they'll be forced to think creatively and come up with their own methods to solve problems. As such, they'll learn how to think critically and logically when faced with a situation. For example, instead of just memorizing facts, your child might decide to draw a diagram or create a flowchart to understand concepts. It doesn't matter whether your child's self-guided learning is done via technology or paper-based; it's all about helping them develop critical thinking skills.

3. It's flexible enough for different learning styles

Traditional schooling relies heavily on rote memorization and repetition so that students can retain knowledge. If your child has trouble remembering something, then they probably won't do well in class. With self-guided learning, however, your child can choose which method works best for him/her. This kind of learning method is also flexible to assist students with learning disabilities because it engages multiple senses. Students aren't confined to one form of learning either; they can use whatever medium suits them best.

4. It promotes creativity

Learning through self-guided exploration leads to creative thinking. You don't need to force your child into a rigid system where they have to memorize every single detail. Instead, allow them to experiment and see what happens. By giving them the freedom to explore different topics, they're more likely to learn things more eagerly rather than merely regurgitate information. 

5. It opens up doors for further learning.

Once your child has achieved success in a certain area, then chances are that they'll want to continue learning more about it. While conventional classrooms focus too much on testing and exams, self-guided learning encourages students to keep exploring and engaging with subjects. Through this, they've been given the chance to broaden their horizons and build upon previous knowledge. And who knows? Self-guided learning may even help your child discover what kind of career path they'd like to pursue.

6. It teaches responsibility.

In self-guided learning, children are responsible for their own progress. The teacher only provides guidance and support, not rules. Children will therefore be more willing to take ownership of their actions and strive towards excellence. This means that they need to be responsible enough to make decisions, follow directions, and work hard to achieve goals.

7. It provides more family time.

School hours tend to run late, which ends up cutting into family time. However, due to the nature of self-guided learning, there's no need to worry about not having enough time with your child. In fact, you can spend more quality time with your child by doing activities together at home.

8. It reduces stress levels.

Children are often stressed out at school due to the pressure of being tested, as well as the fact that teachers expect them to perform at certain standards. In contrast, self-guided learning allows your child to work at his/her own pace and avoid being overwhelmed by the amount of work required. Whether it’s through watching videos, creating content, or joining virtual summer camps, they’ll be less stressed and more likely to enjoy the learning process.

In Conclusion

There's no one-size-fits-all when it comes to learning and education. Through self-guided learning, you can give your child the opportunity to develop intellectually while still allowing them to enjoy themselves. There are several benefits to using this type of learning tool, including better results, increased family involvement, and reduced stress levels. So if you're looking for ways to improve your child's life, consider incorporating some self-guided learning into it!

References:

 360, E. I. (2022, February 11). Online schooling; does it work for your population?: Educational innovation 360. Teaching Observations, Instructional Coaching. Retrieved May 2, 2022, from https://www.educationalinnovation360.com/blogs/watch-out-the-world-is-doing-online-schooling-does-it-work-for-your-population

Homeschooling: The research, scholarly articles, studies, facts, research. National Home Education Research Institute. (2022, March 26). Retrieved May 2, 2022, from https://www.nheri.org/research-facts-on-homeschooling/#:~:text=There%20were%20about%203.7%20million,children)%20%5Bnote%201%5D.

Learning, J. (2022, March 22). Virtual summer camps for 2022: Juni learning. Online Learning for Kids. Retrieved May 2, 2022, from https://junilearning.com/blog/guide/virtual-summer-camps/

Marker. (n.d.). Retrieved May 2, 2022, from https://markerlearning.com/