The Self-Directed Learner
Ideally, we would like for our students to take on the role of a self-directed learner. We would like for them to ask questions sooner rather than later, and we would like for them to dispense with the whining and excuses when they fail to submit work on time, fail a test, or fail to ask for help when they need it.
What is a self-directed learner?
In short, the self-directed learner is a student who realizes that the responsibility for learning is on him or her. He (or she) does not wait for the teacher to micromanage the learning process by disclosing every single thing that needs to be known. The self-directed learner takes notes in class, writes down homework assignments, asks for help when needed, and accepts the blame for his or her shortcomings.