Developing autonomy in student optical professionals

Encouraging students to be autonomous learners is a high impact, low cost way to improve progress1. Developing autonomy in new registrants is achieved by encouraging them to manage themselves, use their initiative and take responsibility for their own actions. Autonomy includes critical thinking, problem-solving and decision making. Encouraging these skills in university undergraduates may be helpful because being able to work without constant supervision or guidance is a valuable skill that can improve productivity and efficiency in the workplace.

Teaching and continually encouraging self-leadership enables learners to become problem solvers amongst other benefits.

It is important to empower learners to be self-sufficient, resulting in improved performance, motivation, confidence and awareness.

Co-creating gives students a voice and a stake in their learning, and allows the sharing of ideas.

Find out how mentoring and preceptorship can be used to develop student independence.