Independent Learning

1) Ask questions - You are learning independently, but you still need to ask questions. The first person you should ask is yourself. Did I understand that lesson? What part did I not understand? What resource can I use to understand that material.

Also, remember that you are not alone. Email the virtual academy teacher questions about material at jingram@floydboe.net.

2) Use the resources around you - The Edgenuity Courseware is a great resource. Watch the videos, read the material, and take notes! However, this is not your only resource. If you are working on factoring quadratics and don't understand the explanation on Edgenuity, look it up online. Youtube is a great resource.

3) Collaborate - This one is hard in a virtual environment, but you can ask your parents, a sibling, or a friend to help you.

4) Persevere - This is a big one. Keep trying. You can do it if you want to do it.

5) Make connections - When learning new material, relate it to material you already know. If you are studying Spanish and you have a new word, bailar, and you realize that it has the same root as ballet, then you will know it means to dance!

6) Be creative - Learning isn't just about memorizing. You need to use your own imagination, come up with your own ideas, and combine old ideas in new ways.

7) Take risks - Sometimes students are afraid to get an answer incorrect. Make an attempt. If you don't try, you aren't likely to succeed.

8) Independent learning is about you - Be honest with yourself. Are you learning what you are supposed to learn? If not, how can you do it because you can do it.