Independent Learning

5 MINUTE READ

What is independent learning?

"The ability to take charge of one's learning" (Holec, 1981)

Independent learning allows a fully flexible approach to CPD where you are able to engage in learning outside of the LTA find a course tool, that is relevant to you and your needs. You can then reflect on your learning and how this will impact you and your coaching/business practice to apply for recognition.

External courses to the LTA find a course tool are not endorsed by the LTA and therefore do not automatically include CPD credits. You will need to apply for these credits through this process.

Apply

What types of independent learning are there?

There are two forms of independent learning:

Formal learning is where you have booked onto and taken part in a structured learning activity, outside of your day-to-day activities or in-house training, with clearly defined learning outcomes. These will be interactive, participation based and delivered by an expert/tutor external to your venue. This is normally delivered face-to-face, or can be an online learning management system (LMS) with a formal learning assessment/knowledge check and certificate.
Informal learning is where you have engaged in more unstructured learning, often self-directed and within your own time. This is through watching, reading or listening to content and non-participatory. Webinars are considered informal learning by the LTA.

All types of learning accepted are to be relevant to sports development and led by a subject matter expert/author.

Formal learning (1 CPD credit per hour of learning)		Informal Learning (1 CPD credit per learning activity)
Format	CPD Credit Type	Format	CPD Credit Type
Face-to-face workshop	Face-to-face	Webinar or podcast	Remote
Online course	Remote	Book or article	Remote
LTA Coach Mentoring (and Deloitte)	Face-to-face	Videoed resource	Remote
Degree programme	Face-to-face	Tournament visit	Remote
Coach Network Event (face-to-face)	Face-to-face	Coach Network Event (webinar)	Remote

Do you have any recommendations for independent learning?

Yes! There's some great resources out there in a number of areas to explore and find what you're most interested in. We've collected some top recommendations and split them into formats in the lists below, because we know people learn best in different ways.

ITF Academy - Engage with world-class content developed by the International Tennis Federation to help you elevate your coaching skills, many of which are free of charge. We highly recommend the following:

ITF Coaching Beginner and Intermediate Players Course - Player development. It offers top tips for coaches to create a developmental plan that allows players to feel more confident in their approach to training.
ITF Coaching High-Performance Players Course: Introduction to Strategy and Tactics. Designing a game plan for perfomance players by using tactical analysis is the core subject of this online module.

Coursera - Make the most of a platform that offers you over 5,800 courses on a wide range of topics that can be relevant to your coaching/business. Have a look at the following:

Digital marketing. A series of online courses that will enhance your capacity to reach more players, venues and other stakeholders.
Finance. A selection of online courses that will give you an introduction to the Finance and Accounting fundamentals.

UK Coaching - This site is purely dedicated to support coaches across all environments. In here, you'll find multiple courses to help you, not only improve your coaching skills, but also increase your understanding on topics like safeguarding or mental health. We specifically recommend:

Mental Health Awareness for Sport and Physical Activity, developed by Mind1st4Sport Learning and funded by Sport England.
Duty to Care Toolkit and Digital badge, a series of resources and knowledge checks set across the five distinct pillars that represent the Duty to Care ethos: Safeguarding, Inclusion, Diversity, Well-being and Mental Health.

The Open University - Navigate limitless resources created to enable every adult to have access to higher education. As a coach, you'll find relevant online courses on health, sports and psychology. Why not trying the following:

Exploring sport coaching and psychology. Learn how factors like mind, body, environment and training techniques combined contribute to enhance one's sporting career.
Communication and working relationships in sport and fitness. Enhance your communication skills and learn to adapt depending on your audience needs.

How long will my independent learning form take to process?

Independent learning forms are reviewed and approved one-by-one, therefore, if approved, the process can take up to 4 days for the learning to appear in your Coach Hub.

How to apply

You can apply by clicking the below button. Please reflect on your learning fully and give all correct details to avoid any delays in the review of your learning.

Apply