Independent learning is a crucial skill that empowers students to take control of their educational journey. It encourages confidence, fosters personal growth, and strengthens literacy skills—key components in academic success. When students become independent learners, they develop the resilience and problem-solving abilities needed to excel not only in school but throughout their lives. At LexiaUK, we are committed to supporting students in becoming self-sufficient learners, providing the tools, resources, and guidance to build lasting confidence and success.
Here are 10 strategies to encourage independent learning in your classroom and help students thrive with Lexia.
1. Set Clear Goals
Clear, achievable goals are the foundation of independent learning. Help students set learning targets that are specific, measurable, and realistic. This allows them to stay focused and motivated as they work towards their objectives.
Tip: Use Lexia’s built-in progress tracking tools to help students monitor their performance. Lexia’s reports provide insights into their development, making it easier to set new goals.
Downloadable Resource: Grab our Goal Setting Worksheet to assist your students in setting their own learning milestones on Core5 or PowerUp!
2. Teach Time Management Skills
Effective time management is a key aspect of independent learning. Teach your students how to organise their study time and balance tasks.
Tip: Encourage students to use Lexia’s progress bars to track their pace during lessons. This visual tool helps them see how much they’ve accomplished and how much is left, empowering them to manage their time effectively. By monitoring their progress, students can pace themselves and feel a sense of accomplishment as they work through their activities at their own speed.
3. Incorporate Choice in Learning Activities
Providing your Lexia class with options can greatly increase their sense of responsibility and engagement. When pupils have the autonomy to choose their learning path, they are more invested in their progress.
Tip: Lexia allows students to choose the order in which they complete activities, giving them greater control over their learning. Encourage your class to select tasks based on their practice needs or areas of interest, fostering a sense of ownership and motivation. This flexibility helps them stay engaged and take responsibility for their learning journey.
4. Celebrate Small Wins
Recognising small achievements is essential for building confidence and motivation. Celebrate progress—no matter how minor—so learners feel proud of their efforts.
Tip: Use our Celebrating Success Guide to find simple yet effective ways to acknowledge and celebrate students’ progress, creating a positive reinforcement cycle.
5. Foster a Growth Mindset
A growth mindset is the belief that abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work. Encourage students to embrace challenges and see mistakes as opportunities for growth.
Tip: Keep an eye on your myLexia reports to identify areas where students may need additional support. Use the insights from these reports and the provided Lexia Lesson Plans to target specific skills or challenges. This ensures that students stay on track while receiving the targeted practice they need to continue progressing independently.
6. Use Technology as a Partner
Technology plays a critical role in fostering independent learning. Lexia offers an adaptive learning environment that tailors lessons to each student’s needs, allowing them to take ownership of their literacy journey.
Tip: Set aside time for students to explore and familiarise themselves with the Lexia program. Encourage them to use the interactive features, such as the progress bar and student dashboard, to track their learning path. By using these tools, students can independently monitor their progress, set goals, and feel more confident navigating their own literacy development.
7. Build Reflection into Learning
Reflection is an essential part of the learning process. Encourage students to regularly assess their progress, identify areas for improvement, and set new goals.
Tip: Provide students with reflection prompts like, “What new skills have you learned today?” or “What is one thing you would like to work on next?” These questions can help students engage more deeply with their learning and take ownership of their growth. Use Progress Tracking Charts, available in the myLexia Resources Hub to encourage student to reflect on their learning.
8. Provide Access to Resources Beyond the Classroom
Learning doesn’t stop when students leave the classroom. Provide them with resources and activities they can access at home to continue building their literacy skills.
Tip: Check out our 5 Resources to Promote Lexia at Home for tips and resources to support Lexia’s use at home.
Conclusion
Encouraging independent learning in your classroom doesn’t just improve literacy outcomes—it builds the foundation for lifelong learning. With Lexia, students gain the confidence, skills, and motivation to become self-directed learners. By implementing the strategies outlined above, you can help your students take ownership of their literacy journey and reach their full potential.
Need Support?
If you need additional guidance on how to best implement Lexia’s features or would like to explore more advanced training options, our Implementation and Support Team is here to help. Don’t hesitate to contact us for personalised support, training, and resources tailored to your needs. We’re committed to ensuring you and your students get the most out of the Lexia experience!
