Promoting independent learning at post 16 contains four practical training sessions that offer teachers with varying levels of experience and different teaching styles a chance to benefit from sharing their different perspectives.

• Improve teaching and learning using a pupil-centred approach
• Enhance progress by giving students an active role in learning
• Create independent learners by making small changes
• Develop a learning culture and reflective workforce

Training session breakdown

Training session 1 – What do we mean by independent learning and why is this helpful?

Learning outcomes:

• consider what’s meant by ‘independent learning’ and why it could be valuable for the post-16 context
• experience strategies which could promote learner independence
• identify an activity or approach which promotes learner independence to trial with students.

Training session 2 – Building independent learning skills into the curriculum

Learning outcomes:

• explore key skills needed by independent learners and considered how they can be incorporated into subject teaching
• share strategies you are already using and agree on something you are  going to try out in subsequent lessons.

Training session 3 – Formative assessment

Learning outcomes:

• consider how AfL approaches might be applicable at KS5 and the link between formative assessment and building learner independence
• agree on approaches to try out and feedback on in the next session.

Training session 4 – Student voice and learner-led approaches

Learning outcomes:

• consider the benefits of giving students opportunities to direct their learning
• gather some practical ideas for putting this into practice.