Developing independent learning skills in children from an early age can significantly enhance their ability to think critically and solve problems throughout life, according to Dr. Sheeba Jojo, an educator based in the United Arab Emirates. In a recent commentary, she emphasized that fostering independence should begin well before secondary school or higher education, rather than waiting until children are expected to act autonomously in adolescence or adulthood.

Dr. Jojo highlights that traditional education often emphasizes waiting for instructions, memorizing correct answers, and reliance on adult guidance. This approach can limit a child’s capacity for independent thought and discovery. Instead, she advocates for learning environments that encourage exploration, questioning, and hands-on experimentation, allowing children to actively engage with concepts and develop ownership of their learning process.

Using the example of teaching the concept of absorption, Dr. Jojo contrasts two methods. One involves a teacher explaining the concept and students memorizing a definition for a test. The alternative, she explains, is to provide children with various materials—such as sponge, tissue paper, cotton, cloth, wood, plastic, and aluminum foil—along with water, inviting them to hypothesize which materials will absorb water and which will not before conducting their own experiments. This process of observation, testing, discussion, and reporting transforms the lesson from passive reception into active inquiry.

According to Dr. Jojo, this cycle of thinking, doing, learning, and re-evaluating nurtures deeper understanding and critical thinking skills. She underscores that adults must be willing to permit children to take appropriate risks and encounter mistakes, as errors serve as valuable learning opportunities when met with curiosity and reflection rather than criticism.

She stresses that fostering independent learning does not mean stepping away entirely; rather, adults play a crucial role in creating safe spaces for exploration, posing thoughtful questions, and providing the necessary knowledge and resources before allowing children to discover answers independently. The balance lies in gently guiding rather than directing every action, enabling children to experience the satisfaction and growth that come from figuring things out on their own.

Dr. Jojo concludes by urging educators and caregivers to celebrate children's questions, attempts, and even mistakes as integral parts of the learning journey. She asserts that cultivating learners who can adapt and thrive beyond the classroom—those who know how to learn throughout life—is one of the most valuable gifts adults can offer to the younger generation.