Students must take responsibility for their own learning

This academic year has had a rough start. Interrupted by school closure, students have faced a long commute to school. Even when they have been able to reach school on time, classes have been cancelled or shortened because teachers were delayed due to the traffic congestion.

Some students have not resorted to using these inconveniences as excuses for not meeting homework deadlines. This is especially praiseworthy, as these excuses have validity.

I have had students email me and apologise for handing in homework late, or for rushed and untidy work. I have been extremely impressed.

This is a concrete and real-life example of "taking responsibility for one's own learning". Teachers, schools and the media throw out this catchphrase - but what does it really mean? And why do I consider this situation a good example of it?

Simply because taking responsibility for our own learning prepares us for the unexpected, and for our future.

To be a successful learner, students need to do three things. They need to learn subject matter or content; they need to learn what they need to do, to gain an understanding of the content; and they need to be able to get themselves to do what they need to get done. These are academic skills.