58131Developing Independent Learners in IsolationClosedFeasibility StudiesInnovate UKThis project addresses the short term need of isolated, school age, learners needing to know how to learn independently in order to cope with the burden put on them by the unfamiliarity of remote learning. Without the day to day physical presence of professionally qualified teaching staff, isolated learners are vulnerable to the pressure that comes with the obligation of doing much of their studies un-aided. In these circumstances many will suffer, unable to cope with the demands of understanding and completing work without the typical support and motivational input of their teaching staff and peers. The potential negative consequences of this for personal confidence, self-esteem and well being are significant at an individual level. The wider economic and societal costs could also be substantial. Thinking Matters is a recognised leader in the field of metacognition. Since its emergence from the Cognitive Education Development Unit at Exeter University over fifteen years ago it has been at the cutting edge of developing and training teachers in the use of cognitive and metagonitive pedagogy. It support some of the world's most progressive schools to develop cultures where nurturing independent thinkers and self reflective learners is core to the school's purpose. Thinking Matters continues to develop proprietary metacognitive models and a range of tools and strategies which are used by the staff of its school clients to develop independent, self reflective learners. To aid the support of isolated learners Thinking Matters is applying for funding in order to adapt its model and metacogntive tools for direct use by all isolated learners (of all school ages) via a web based application. The outcomes are anticipated to be in line with those seen in EEF studies on metacognition and by accredited Thinking Schools where academic progress has improved by an additional 7-9 months (the equivalent of over a SATS or GSCE grade). Whilst the short term benefits of the project will be to improve the learning skills, confidence, capability and wellbeing of the isolated learner. A long term benefit will be to give those learners the skills to adapt and succeed in a world likely to be characterised by constant and rapid change. The project thus addresses education, wellbeing and home working. Home working? With parents and children working from home, learners needs to be busy and self-committed if the parents' home working is to be effective and contribute to the economy.