Companies have proven that if they determine their objectives, map out a process to achieve them, follow that process, document the results, and continuously improve the process, they will output increasingly better products and services. The same basic approach could be applied to an individual's process of self-learning. The student or employee would determine his or her learning goals, plan a strategy, acquire the materials, complete the learning, document the results, and improve the process. Software tools could be used for planning and documenting. External information sources could be used for determining options, establishing goals, and selecting materials.
Certification is important also.
While students need to become self-learners, they also need to prove to employers or colleges that they have this capability. Today, many companies will only deal will vendors that have a certified Quality Management System. It is possible that many future employers will only hire certified self-learners. Many quality standards are emerging for different industries and corporate functions. The ISO 9000 series of quality standards is the most widely used and can be applied to a wide range of manufacturing and services, including software development.