# As a self-directed learner – what measurable or credit do
I have when I say that I am skilled in a specific area or I am capable to do
anything. One very important credibility and assessment comes from the peers,
comes from the feedback I receive from my mentors, peers, parents and
facilitators.They are able to show me the mirror in both my tangible and
intangible skills, as they work and observe me.
# Having a feedback process in self directed learning
especially in a community of learners is very important. As the openness to
receive and give feedback and the honesty with which it is done creates an
environment of continuous evolving and shows that no one is perfect – even the
facilitators. It most importantly creates healthy, transparent and honest
relationships.
# When doing self or peer assessment – there is equal
importance to the external/tangible and to the internal/self skills. You academic performance is not what defines
you as a person or defines your success. The peers are able to notice your
strengths and weakness, your growth as a person.
# When observing others or self it is easy to find negative
traits, places to improve or faults but is difficult to appreciate and
acknowledge the positive sides, the capabilities, the growth. During feedback, the process pushes us to
look at both the sides of the person, look at where we have improved and where
work needs to be done, this makes one feel acknowledged and noticed.
# Finally Self-directed learning is about following my heart
and I know myself better than anybody else. At the end of the day whatever
feedback I get, I have the choice to discard feedback, to integrate what I
feel is right. Since there is no external assessment in open learning, I find
peer feedback a very healthy and enriching process. It as if people are mirrors
showing you your reflection, Showing you who you are . Peer feedback is
something that I really benefited from in my journey at Swaraj.
