Self-Directed Learner - the Three Pillar Model of Self-Directedness

Self-directed learning is perhaps the Holy Grail of adult learning and for good reason. Within this seemingly simple phrase lies the battleground for the frustrations of both educator and learner as they work through the difficulties of an unequal and sometimes intense partnership

Jenny Gavriel initially qualified as a secondary school teacher in science and chemistry from the Institute of Education, London following completion of her degree in biochemistry with management from Imperial College London. She took her education studies further during her time in the classroom, gaining a Masters in Education from Oxford Brookes University. She also found time to produce resource sets for use by teachers which were published and sold nationally. After a number of years of teaching, during which time she held posts in curriculum planning, mentoring and pastoral management, her career shifted focus from educating children to educating adults. She now sits on the line between the two worlds: school education and medical education, giving her a broad view of the direction of education in general. As Programme Director for GP Specialty Training in Milton Keynes, Jenny has frontline contact with medical learners, while she maintains an academic focus as an Affiliate Lecturer on the Post Graduate Certificate in Clinical Education for Health Education Thames Valley. She retains contact with education in the school environment as a Tutor for trainee teachers with the University of Buckingham. Jenny has published articles in the British Journal of General Practice and Education for Primary Care and writes regular 'Teaching Tips' in Education for Primary Care which draws on her expertise in both school- based education and medical education. Further details regarding Jenny's work can be found at www.GavrielMedEd.com.