For parents looking to better support their child’s learning development in the home, it’s helpful to consider what type of learner your child is. Understanding your child’s way of learning and how it evolves over time allows you to best support their intellectual, cogitative and communicative skills and needs.
The meaning of a dependent vs. independent learner is how a student approaches learning and acquires understanding in the classroom.
Students who are dependent learners rely on external support when learning, such as teachers and instructions. These students learn best when they are completely aware and informed of what is expected of them and how to meet those expectations.
A student who is an independent learner means that they learn best in a less structured environment where they have independence from strict guidelines. These students are more comfortable in a self-guided classroom environment where teachers are thought of as help available when needed.
The table below outlines the characteristics of dependent learners and the characteristics of independent learners. To help assess your child’s learning needs, ask your child which kind of learner they feel they best align with.
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Independent Learners Prefer: |
Dependent Learners Prefer: |
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Self-directed learning situations |
Clear & precise learning instructions |
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A choice of assessment methods |
Very clear assessment outcomes to serve as extrinsic motivation i.e grades or rewards |
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The teacher as a mentor or facilitator |
A teacher that controls the learning, assistance from the teacher |
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Work usually with little or no supervision |
A social learning atmosphere |
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Non-traditional learning settings |
To follow teachers instructions |
The benefits of independent learning for students include helping them feel comfortable when making their own decisions and working through difficult problems. Independent learning helps students feel more confident in themselves and their capabilities. Students introduced to independent learning in their early years grow to be prepared in self-directed situations and efficiently tackle difficult assignments.
While students who are dependent learners are comfortable in and excel in structured, social environments, and they understand what is required of them to meet expectations, they often struggle later in their educational journey when assigned tasks, projects, assessments, schedules and creative activities require independent learning abilities. In addition, dependent learners may feel defeated and choose to give up when met with something they do not understand.
It’s important for students to understand that obstacles play an essential role in learning. Through independent learning, students are taught not to give up in the face of adversity but to use their skills to confront challenges and continue working through problems.
It is not uncommon for both dependent and independent learners to struggle with deadlines and self-motivation. If you find that your child seems to be missing assignments, it could be because they need a little more support and structure.
Our teachers and learning mentors spend time working with all our students, but this past week, we have focused attention on helping dependent learners grow.
While all types of students are supported in the classroom, below you will find dependent and independent learning strategies on how you can support each type of learner at home.
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Independent Learner Strategies |
Dependent Learners Strategies |
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Provide opportunities to discuss what they have learned – both successes & challenges |
Help set specific tasks and time allowed for each subject each day. Check on their progress throughout the day. Working parents – can you call home at lunch to see where they are at? |
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Ask your child what their goals are and what their learning plans are for the day (this can be done the night before, if you are working during the day). |
Tasks should be split into no more than 25-minute chunks, with 5-minute breaks in between – tomatotimer.com is great for helping students stick to those breaks. |
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Ask them who they will reach out to if they need any assistance or support throughout the day – clarify when you might be available if they want your support |
Notify your child’s tutor or class teachers if they have fallen behind, or are struggling with something. |
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Set up learning opportunities either online or face-to-face with classmates (depending on your comfort level) |
Can they have structured learning opportunities with classmates? Can they complete work as a group project? |
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Check in that they are staying on top of their work. |
Set up challenges and rewards for your child when they finish their tasks. |
Our goal throughout education is to enable all learners to become more independent. Through distance learning, your child will develop stronger practices that they can use throughout their schooling.
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