There is a considerable difference between college and university in the way that information is acquired. Coming from a teacher-centered environment students have to be adapted to a more individual one, where they should force themselves in a process of research and critical approach to information. The way in which independent learning can be achieved during university and how it benefits to the student for their future career will be the main arguments discussed in this essay. .
Independent learning is self-directed learning (Mayer at al., 2008b). The learning is defined, organized and completed by the student where educators may act only as facilitators. In other words, the center of this scenario is the student. Lecturers represent only a guide, which leads the research and the evaluation of the information that students find. However, there is a reason why there are many definitions behind "independent learning" .It depends on how each individual decides to approach this term. The concept of self-directed learning is not a new concept, but there is a lack of accordance about the true meaning of it (Broad,2006). The beginning and the end of this independent process varies, as it is individual. So different interpretations on independent learning are justified.
There are two main components of the self-regulated learning. The first is to emphasize independent learning as a valuable concept in university and the second one to promote the study of the main elements, those which surely develop beyond our understanding of this self-centered study (Cassidy, 2011, p990). This is the reason why learners have to expand their skills in order to be successful in this course of action. Also, in order for independent learning to be developed , it is important that students rely on reflective learning. This is the key in linking the professional progress to future outcomes. "Reflection is fundamental to learning, and provides a basis for future action.