Child psychology: Independent learning

Studies of young children have demonstrated repeatedly that the drive to problem solve and learn exists regardless of any external reward or feedback. Developmental psychologist, Jean Piaget, pointed out that a major challenge of teaching is that of harnessing children’s natural desire to explore and understand. This process is easily observed in the Foundation Stage, where the generally play-based curriculum offers many opportunities for children to follow their interests and exercise their imagination. Most teachers would agree that this exploratory learning has to be accompanied by the development of self organisation and gradually increasing levels of independence.

The importance of choice

Erik Erikson, the psychoanalytic writer who proposed a ‘life span’ model of human development, considered that the beginnings of autonomy and independence commence in early childhood. As a child makes choices and decisions, they naturally become more able to accept consequences and grasp the important principle that they are responsible for their own behaviour. Studies on motivation indicate that heavily directed and adult-led approaches can result in rather passive and dependent children. Consequently, these children can become increasingly disengaged from their own learning and education in general.

Children in control