Trails to Literacy: PHASES
Learner-directed methods encourage learners to reflect on, or interpret, what they are learning, as well as the process they are using to learn. As a result of the reflection, the learner can continue or change the process, whichever is more beneficial to knowledge acquisition. Reflection happens when learners analyze their learning experiences and identify (see "Questions. What & Why" in the toolkit section):
Many learners aren't unaware of how they reflect and the ways in which they may actively take part in the process. Some examples are: applying the knowledge to a different activity, journaling, sharing the knowledge in a presentation, or teaching the skill to others. Deliberate, self-driven, reflection activities help make learning more personally meaningful, holistic, and lasting. The result is integrated, transferable knowledge.
Most students have spent their previous years assuming their teacher was the main disseminator of knowledge. Because of this orientation towards the subject- matter expertise of their instructor and the traditional memorization of facts required of students, many students appear to have lost the ability to "simply wonder about something"
(Reithlingshoefer, 1992)
Handing over ownership of the project can prove to be a challenge. Many participants have never had the opportunity to control even their day-to-day lives let alone this type of project. Possibly, they have not experienced work in this kind of environment where learning, teamwork, planning and decision-making are integral parts. These methods of participatory learning require more of the student's time and expect students to be responsible and independent learners. It is important to provide sufficient training and facilitation to help the participants acquire the skills they will need to work in a cooperative, functioning group. As well as being necessary for the Trails project, these skills are highly valued in the workplace, therefore their integration into the learning process will be appreciated by referring partners and future employers.