Managing time through independent learning

One of the most effective measures for managing time in the classroom involves relying on the children themselves to work and learn.

Here are some tips:

Develop independent learning skills in children.

Begin with short periods of time and simple tasks, such as completing workbook exercises. As learners develop their abilities to work on their own, progress toward more complex learning tasks, such as reading silently, researching specific topics, or writing stories.

Initiate peer learning.

Engage children in working together to complete assignments, reviewing each other's work, and sharing ideas. Children who have mastered specific skills gain even more knowledge when they communicate these to others.

Build small-group learning habits.

Small groups can be established early on to play learning games or to cooperage in completing specific tasks. Establish guidelines for co-operation and for supportive communication. When the class has gained experience working in groups, you can devise more elaborate projects, which may span several class sessions over the course of a week or weeks.

One important, extra tip: Active learning is not always quiet. There is nothing more rewarding than the sound of a child discovering a solution or grasping an idea. But for many teachers, the sounds of learning are signals of disorderliness.

Observe children in your class and at play. How do they behave when they are focused? How do they behave when they are bored?

For more information, go to Learning from each other.

When you have developed independent learning, co-operation, and communication skills in your class, you can create time to work with specific groups and individuals, while other learners work on their own.