Self-learning (or self-directed learning) is, as the name implies, a form of learning that the pupil directs themself, rather than following the leadership of someone else – like a teacher. Instead, the teacher is more of a guide, encouraging and supporting their pupils and putting more of a focus on educational freedom. Giving students more agency over what they’re learning – and how they go about learning it – can help to create more engagement, and give students more motivation. Teachers have long understood that the biggest hurdle they face is getting their pupils more engaged with the learning material. Students who are more engaged aren’t only more interested in lessons – they’re more likely to enjoy themselves and view learning in a positive light, and more likely to continue with further education once they’ve graduated. 

One of the biggest benefits of self-learning is flexibility, and online learning can offer both students and teachers more freedom. With online learning, students can choose when and where they learn, and continue with their studies outside of school hours. Online learning has grown significantly in recent years, well before COVID-19 – although the pandemic obviously accelerated the demand for it. In 2019, it was predicted that the online education market would reach $350 billion (£286 billion) by 2025, although that figure is likely higher now. Of course, the pandemic meant that pupils at Aldenham Education Group had to stay at home. Fortunately, our state-of-the-art technology meant that we were still able to provide our pupils with the same high-quality education that they’d come to expect – only online, with the virtual AldeHome. As well as lessons, we were even able to offer online extracurricular activities, and encourage students to go on virtual school trips to museums or theatres.

The pandemic drastically changed the way schools operated, forcing them to turn to online tools to ensure children were still learning – whilst simultaneously expediting change and innovation in the industry. Even now, as many schools around the world have opened up again and returned to offline teaching, there’s been a rise in demand for online learning at schools and universities around the world. In September 2022, the iCademy Middle East in Dubai reported a 25% increase in students opting for online learning over the past year. In Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, a report on online learning in the country revealed that it had  given students valuable skills in digital literacy, independent learning, and teamwork. At our newest school, Aldenham Prep Riyadh, we aim to impart these skills to our pupils, with cutting-edge technology throughout the school – in both classrooms and our Learning Resource Centre.

Both self-learning and online learning can help children to learn at their own pace. By giving them the space they need to set their own educational goals, schools can help students to succeed and reduce the pressure that students may put on themselves to achieve the best grades. As well as encouraging students to continue learning throughout their lives, self-learning can also improve confidence and empowerment in students. At each of our Aldenham schools, we understand there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to education. 

All of our pupils have individual needs, and we want to ensure everyone flourishes. We offer our pupils various learning approaches, in order to ensure they can both participate in and enjoy their lessons. At Aldenham Education Group, we believe in a holistic approach to education, meaning we give our pupils the opportunities to keep on learning outside of the boundaries of the curriculum. In ICT lessons, for example, our pupils work together, collaborating and coming up with ideas, and learning how to work as part of a team. We also offer them extra-curricular activities from sports to music and drama, instilling a lifelong love of these activities in our pupils, and unlocking skills like self-confidence and teamwork.

Self-learning can give pupils the freedom to learn at their own pace, and make them excited to learn. By tailoring pupils’ education to their specific needs, teachers can help their pupils to realise and exceed their potential, which is something we aspire to do at every one of our Aldenham schools. To find out more about our commitment to helping our pupils achieve success – in their education and their careers – get in touch with us today.