Independent Learners - compliment or criticism?

[bigpaws]

Last night was parents evening for both my DCs. Both doing well in school and meeting targets

As an after thought, both teachers commented 'What an independent learner they are'.

I confess I HATE Homework. I tend to leave the DCs to manage it themselves. Although we do a lot of other activities together!!

I am now wondering if the Teachers comments were a compliment or criticism? Or is it just a modern phrase to use in school?

Is it positive to be an independent learner in primary school? I can see how it would have its advantages towards the end of secondary school.

[acjfluff]

Independent learning is a good thing! It means they're inquisitive and probably self motivated.

I love independent learners in my class because they want to know why, how etc and I don't feel like they're killing time til break! Like me

You haven't done anything wrong by leaving them to it, it's their homework not yours, and I'm sure they'd ask if they needed help.

[bigpaws]

Thank you acj for your reply.

My guilt was running away with ideas of neglect and me being too work focused (self-employed).

Being an independent learner must be good footings for later life. I think I was having a wobbly moment and over exaggerated their comments!

[OnGoldenPond]

Absolutely a compliment!

Becoming an independent learner is the goal of all education. Many DCs never get there.

The fact that yours have achieved it at primary age is fantastic. A testament both to your DCs and to your enlightened approach to their upbringing. I am VERY sure that your DC's teachers just love parents like you!

My DD got there very early on, have not had to chivvy on the homework front since y2 2. DS, however, still has a long way to go in yr 6! - so I guess that most of it is down to the temperament of the child, much as I would like to take credit for moulding my DD into a model of conscienciousness!

[morethanpotatoprints]

It is definitely a complement. I used to teach A level students who weren't capable of independent learning.
My dd is total independent learner as she has to be. It has enabled her to progress in some areas really quickly.
Well done your dc and you for encouraging it.

[EvilTwins]

It's the latest big thing, and is definitely a positive!

It's not just about homework either - new OFSTED framework wants opportunities for independent learning during lessons. It's fabulous when it works - set them off, they enjoy doing it all by themselves and you get a big fat tick in a box from anyone watching. Some teachers me find it hard to let go though - it can feel a bit like relinquishing control...

[MrsShrek3]

huge compliment. I have the next half term with a big target of getting my sen class to become independent learners for 10 mins at a time. I will be the happiest person around if they can do it. It's a life skill. ofsted love it. so do HTs

[JamieandtheMagicTorch]

Oh yes, there are not all that many independent learners around. Massively important.

[morethanpotatoprints]

EvilTwins

The whole ethos is as you described, and it is relinquishing control as far as the teacher is concerned and placing the control with the student. I think it would be hard for some dc as spoon feeding has been the norm for so long. I can't see how it would fit nicely with assessment targets and box ticking, but maybe I am very extreme with my approach as most of what dd does is autonomous and completely child led.