Independent Learning/ Self Directed Study

Learning Area Co-ordinators

Ann Barlow, Director of Courses for the Public, The University of Manchester

Alyssa Phillips, Director of Combined Studies, The University of Manchester

Introduction

LearnHigher at the University of Manchester is based in the Faculty of Humanities and builds on work already taking place in relation to adult learners and mature students at Courses for the Public and with undergraduate students on the Combined Studies programme. A small training room and an Access Grid Node based in Courses for the Public provide a physical presence for LearnHigher as well as a location for demonstration and evaluation of resources.

The main focus of the Learning Area is to examine the notion of independent learning through engaging in discourse with practitioners and students. A particular focus is the identification of resources which provide scaffolding to enable the development of self-directed practices within the university environment.