Universities and businesses are placing increasing emphasis on the ability of graduating students to have a better range of skills. With technology readily available to all, in today’s business world it is often not enough to have studied a subject at school or university; competing students are expected to be able to interpret and continually develop a breadth of knowledge themselves.

Self-learning is an important skill as our journey through education and beyond to adulthood, building independence and ability to progress without reliance on a teacher. Traditional, instructional learning has a place in school, however working out an answer or solving a problem by yourself is not only more rewarding, it also helps to solidify the learning.

Encouraging students to assess their own work will enable them to gain a better understanding of what they are best at and what they need to work harder on. If students practice editing and reviewing their work on a regular basis they will soon become familiar with the process of self-assessment.

As young people start to take ownership of their learning and experience success, they also develop invaluable confidence and self-motivation. This can increase their enjoyment across a wide range of subjects at school whilst also preparing them for personal and professional success later in life.