Self-Managed Learning: Approaches, Encouragement, and Benefits

This report provides a comprehensive evaluation of self-managed learning (SML), exploring various approaches to facilitate and encourage lifelong learning in both personal and professional contexts. It examines the characteristics of self-directed learners, emphasizing their initiative and planning ab...Read More

1.1 Evaluate approaches to self- managed learning
1.2 Propose ways in which lifelong learning in personal and professional contexts could be
encouraged
1.3 Evaluate the benefits of self-managed learning to the individual and organization
This desire urges the person to take initiative and to schedule a plan with the objective of achieving a
good and positive aftermath. Subsequently the individual is set up to build up a key arrangement to
take after.
Self-direction in learning refers to both the external characteristics of an individual process and the
internal characteristics of the learner , where the individual assumes primary responsibility for a
learning experience according to ( Hiemstra, 1994 )
Characteristics are as below :
What they learn: I strongly believe that people should dedicate more of their free time to personal
development first and then their own interest, knowledge, experience, qualifications.
When they learn: it can start anywhere anytime but if SMART planning is applied learning will
become achievable.
Who :It is required other people to be involved , such as employer, friends, family , SFE.
How they learn : there are different ways of learning such as online learning, distance learning , even
watching other people practicing you can learn and gain knowledge.
Where they learn : again there are different location that individuals can learn and some of these are
campuses, homes, offices , institutions .

Learning is the key of achieving full success andpotential. Learning has the power to make us
become better individuals in future by helping us to gain more and useful knowledge that we can
apply in day to day life.
As we learn from the moment we were born learning is also a part of my life and every time I
achieve proposed success I feel satisfied.
I am working in fashion industry and l am planning to carry on but I would like to expand my
knowledge so I can see and work in different departments within this industry.
I have gained a lot of experience in last 10 years while working for different organizations and I
would succeed if I will use some of the following approaches.
Approaches:if we watch other people finishing tasks , if we doing researches and continuously
improve ourselves through learning we will definitely succeed.
Training/ Mentoring/ Coaching it is the initial stage for learning and updating our knowledge for
particular tasks focusing on the relationships between us and work.At my work place I am being
asked to use my coaching skills especially when I am managing all booking and deliveries.
Seminars: While tutors discussed about chosen topics we gain information and knowledge.
Seminars are usually dedicated for Higher Education.
Meetings :relevant issues are discussed , feedback is provided and communication is in place and
this bring more information to individuals .As we have meetings at work on weekly basis , I can see
more chances of improving my knowledge and skills .
Reading books/ newspapers/ articles: It is a traditional approach of learning and we going
information and booking and newspapers are available to us on the daily basis. For me one of the
easiest approach to self- learning is thorough reading.I am travelling to work 5 times a week and I
read all the free papers that are handed out to me at the stations and gain useful information .
Watching TV/ Listening to speeches and radios: Even though watching TV is one of the most
favorite way of learning listening to radio makes people gain information according to new British
research (Heyes,2011).
Observing:it is an importantto observe others in order to learn and get new information and
knowledge.I have learned new things and skills by observing my work colleague working. She was
ordering barcodes, wash cares and price tickets for all styles in work and I am happy to say I am also
capable of doing so after observing her repeatedly .

Social network / gathering it’s a new and modern approach and because there are discussions in
place there are useful information we gain that can help us to towards our achievement .Going out
with my work colleagues after and with my friends and family helped me to gain useful information
that I can apply in day to day life and also work life.
One of the most recent information I gained is that I found out on how to apply for baby’s nursery
and which are the best nurseries around my area.
Feedback/ Appraisal :there are very useful andalways welcome as we receive details and
information as where we are and what can be improved in our learning .Last feedback I had at work
it was 6 months ago and I can see after all the details I received from my manager my work
improved . Now I am more capable in taking decisions on my own and make my work load simpler
and easier .
Interviews :even though some of us are not very confident when having to go to an interview there
are lessons to be learned from each of them and this can make us more confident for the future.
Learning styles are supported by three theories and these areas below:
David Kolb’s learning style :Kolb states that learning involves the acquisition of abstract
concepts that can be applied flexibly in a range of situations. In Kolb’s theory, the impetus
for the development of new concepts is provided by new experiences.Learning is the process
whereby knowledge is created through the transformation of experience” (Kolb, 1984, p. 38).

Divergers: are individual which can perform better if ideas- generation is required .
They usually solve problems using their imaginations and creativity.I like to consider myself as being
a diverger as I was able to solve a problem at work by using my imagination and not relying on my
superior. We have to keep track of all dresses that arrive and leave the warehouse and three
spreadsheet were suggested to be used. I have gathered all the information and created one single
spreadsheet that can show what came in, what left the warehouse and how many faulty garments
are left on floor.
Convergers :These are people who are better and successful at solving problems by finding practical
use of ideas and theories .Some of my work colleagues and sometimes even myself can solve the
issue by dealing and working on the issue as soon as its arise . As the problem is new it’s always
easier to find practical use of ideas.
Assimilators :are less concentrated on people and their ideas but they are carrier orientated .In my
opinion all of us are assimilators. Even though some of us do not realize it we are working hard and
trying to perform better at work so high possibilities and can come towards our carrier.
Accommodators : is focused more on intuition rather than logic . These are the sort of people that
can learn from other people’s mistake and can apply this to solve their own issues.
Other theorists which can develop their learning styles as a variation on the Kolb model are Peter
Honey and Alan Mumford .
They say of their system :’’Our description of the stages in the learning cycle originated from the
work of David Kolb. Kolb uses different words to describe he stages of the learning cycle and four
learning styles…’’and ‘’…The similarities between his model nd ours are greater than the difference
‘’(Honey and Mumford, 1995)
Types of learning styles Honey and Mumford mentioned are as below

Illustration 1. David Kolb (1939-present) Case Western Reserve University Kolb's Experiential
Learning Cycle
There are similarities between the Honey and Mumford styles and the corresponding Kolb and
VARK learning models .

VARK learning styles are simple and offer easy and accessible methods to understand and explain
individualspreferred ways of learning. These theories are helpful in understanding , strengths ,
weaknesses and personality of an individual .
Visual learning style- these are the things that we see and visualize such as books, films, pictures.
Auditory learning style – through listening and hearing we are getting useful information .
Reading/ writing learning style: in my opinion this is the most useful learning style as we get
information through reading books, writing letters, emails etc.
For me the best learning style is reading/ writing. I read my previous colleague work related notes
and I was gaining a lot of information and details that helped me through my learning process at
work.
1.2
Lifelong learning -Knowledge can be acquired and skill-sets developed anywhere – learning is
unavoidable and happens all the time. However, lifelong learning is about creating and maintaining
a positive attitude to learning both for personal and professional development. Sources
(www.skillsyouneed.com)
Lifelong learning is similar to Japanese model of Kaizen

Picture adapted from www.searchmanufacturing.com.
SML,SDL and CPD tactics offers me and everybody else the opportunity to manage self-learning and
to be more confident in learning and gaining information.
I am working in fashion industry for last 10 years and I felt recently there in need to improve so I am
now studying at Mont Rose College and planning to study accounts in the near future. Hopefully this
will bring me knowledge so I can see and explore other areas of this industry.
Suggested ways of lifelong learning are as below:
-Self-directed learning SDL/SML :this is the process when people take own initiative or the
opportunity to progress in their professional life. This process includes formulation of learning

goals ,identifies resources and strategies and evaluation of learning outcome.(Murdock and Scutt.
2002 ).
-Continuous Professional and Development (CPD) -Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is a
combination of approaches, ideas and techniques that will help you manage your own learning and
growth. The focus of CPD is firmly on results – the benefits that professional development can bring
you in the real world. Perhaps the most important message is that one size doesn’t fit all. Wherever
you are in your career now and whatever you want to achieve, your CPD should be exactly that:
yours, according to www.cipd.co.uk
-Links Higher Education and Further Education with industry: These can enlarge your knowledge
and are helpful for future as the outcomes individuals get out of it are better paid jobs, better career
opportunities,. HE usually takes place at universities, colleges, etc.
-Apprenticeship: this combines thepractical training in and job with study. People gain experience
and knowledge and job –specific skills.
- Credit accumulation and Transfer schemes: this is offered by universities who record the credits
and offer to students the possibly of flexible learning.
1.3 Benefits of Self- Management Learning to Organizations and individuals
Self direct learning it is beneficial to an individual as it increases the ability, intelligence and self-
confidence and this drives the individual to be more efficient and productive while working in an
organization.

Self- direct learning is a big part of our life and helps us in achieving targets through learning.
3.1
Processes, activities and records required to implement the development plan
Activities are the condition in which things are happening or being done.
In order to make my goals and objectives achievable I need to follow the plan of my own activity.
The below 3 main steps are should be followed and these are:
I
Initial or Primary stage
1.1 Indentifying Key Processes and Activities
My goal is to finish my current HND in business at Mont Rose College and apply for Higher
Education for going forward. In order to do so I need to follow a few steps, like finding the best
education suitable for me, time, ETC.

1.2 Indentifying the Tasks or Keeping Record of the Activities
This involves keeping track of my personal record and identifying the process towards my objective.
In order to attain the strategic project each responsibility should be acknowledged.
1.3 Action Steps and Responsibilities
In order to make the process easier it is recommended that the tasks are divided into sub-tasks . This
is helpful for me and its making my goals clearer and easier to achieve. In order to make the process
easier it is recommended that the tasks are divided into sub-tasks . This is helpful for me and its
making my goals clearer and easier to achieve. My weekly task at work is to deliver goods to
customers.
In order to finish this task I undertake small sub-tasks such as booking garments in , prepare all
relevant paper work, contact nominated carrier , etc .
1.4 Prioritizing and Timeline
The key is to prioritize work in order to achieve things and to dedicate time to important activities
first .
1.5 Costs and Budgeting
The costs should be looked at before taking action on each tasks and if possible these should be
reduced .I have revised my budget for my course at Mont Rose College and my future HE and
realized I need to have a job in order to be able to finish my studies as a lot of costs involved .
II. Growth and Developing Stage
2.1 Maintaining diary

I maintain a dairy in order to finish my weekly tasks at work and a dairy of all my appointments in my
personal life to ensure I do not miss out on any important activities.
2.2 To do list
At my work place I am keeping a daily booking and pick up sheet in order to get all deliveries out on
time and a to do list which helps me to complete all the daily tasks required .
3.2 Monitoring the progress
It is really important to follow the below steps in order to accomplish a desired goal.
-Process and outcome – helps you in determine how well things are carried out.
- Observational monitoring
- Regular Feedback
4.2 Sub-planning
III. Completion or Final stage
This is the final stage , explaining that work needs to be revised , monitoring need to be in place,
reviewing and evaluating process still to be implemented in order for the plan to be successful .
(Ferdous, 2016)
3.2
Undertake and document development activities as planned CPD
As a part of CPD I have to maintain my knowledge, experience and information to the desired
standard and to be able to look for continuous improvements.

Date Activity Evidence Duration Evaluation
15.01.2016 Exams at Mont
Rose College
Have enrolled
in HND
Business
Marketing
2h Successfully
admitted
30.01.2016
Health and
Safety
qualification
I have given
training at
work
4h Obtained a
certificate
25.02.2016
Training as a
sales assistant
I have been
asked and
given training
at work as a
sales
assistant
4 months Working in
sales
department
1.08.2016 Apparel training
at work
Training was
given to our
whole
department.
2 days I am now able
to create and
print out
reports from
the computer
system for the
clothing
industry .
25.09.2016 Prima training at
work
I had the
possibility to
work in
another
online system
1 week Production
receipt all
invoicing all
delivered
goods.
3.3/3.4 Critical reflection on my development plan in LO 2.4
This enables people to be in charge of their own learning. Learning becomes a major part of life
being a proactive and reactive process, prioritized to support development needs as well as longer
term ambitions.
Since I made the plan within the PPD , there are changes that I have noticed happening in my
career, learning and social areas. In academics, I have improved a lot, I have improved my language
and communication skills.
I have witnessed I was able to develop clear SWOT analysis.
In these I recognized my strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats in professional and in
my social life, extra-curricular activities and any other activity .

I also recognized that I actually had some weaknesses that caused my performance to dwindle in
certain areas. For example, I realized that I had a problem relating with other students, tutors and
friends. I did not attend discussion and group work, and seemed to ignore the strength of teamwork.
My plan seems achievable after reviewing my PDP plan. If I work hard and keep on track of my
updated to do lists and diaries I will be successful in my personal and professional life but this means
I need to keep gaining information on knowledge especially at work as I am new in this sales job.
4.2 Updated plan based on feedback and evaluation
On the basis of information gathered, it can be stated that there are certain modification which needs
to be done in personal and professional development plan. For example I need to work upon
my communications skills in order to get more growth and development in professional life.
Apart from this, I am also required to focus on using strategies such as visiting workshops and
seminar in order to attain overall development. As it has been observed that I am having
problem in terms of dealing with other students and teacher therefore, I am also required to
work upon my interpersonal skills. This will support me in dealing with others in more
effective manner and develop a strong relation with them. In order to achieve this, I can use
strategies such as self learning and e learning. I am also required to attain more and more self
development programs which can support me to learn new things and ensure my overall
development.
Conclusion
development work is non – rational as (Korthagan&Kessels ,1999) relates and may bring about
unexpected outcomes within the context of self- developments

References
Interpersonal Communication Skills [Online ] Available from :
<http://www.skillsyouneed.com/ips/interpersonal-communication.html >
[ Accessed on 8th November 2016].
Management and Time Management. [Online] Available from
<https://www.thebalance.com/management-and-time-management-4073895 >
[Accessed on 8th November 2016 ]
What Is Problem Solving [Online] Available from < https://www.mindtools.com>
[ Accessed on 8th November 2016].