| Pre-Impact | (L) |
| Impact | (L) |
| Post-Impact | (L) |
The defining characteristics of the Self-Teaching style are individual tenacity and the desire to construct one's own learning experiences. This teaching-learning style does not exist in the school or classrooms. This style is governed by the individual's decision making expectations and desires.
The Self-teaching style attracts individuals who march to a different drum and to their own beat. They are driven by their desire—by self-motivation and internal feedback—to engage in learning and production.
In the Self-Teaching style, the individual participates in the roles of both teacher and learner and makes all decisions - in the pre-impact, impact, and post-impact sets.
This style is not included within the classroom teaching repertoire. Self-Teaching is an experience where the roles of both teacher and learner become integrated.
Self-Teaching style does not have a specific designated set of objectives. The individual’s cognitive, emotional, ethical, social needs and desires determine the specific objectives.
Leonardo da Vinci and Thomas Edison are famous examples of individuals anchored in expanding the boundaries of self. They were scientists, engineers, mathematicians, inventors, anatomists, painters, sculptors, architects, musicians, and writers.
Self-Teaching style is motivated by the objectives that the individual has established to be achieved.
The internal logic of the Spectrum leads to the realization that it is, indeed, possible for a person to make all decisions for him/herself. This behavior cannot be initiated or assigned by a teacher; however it does exist in situations when an individual is engaged in teaching, producing, discovering, expressing him/herself.
This style is NOT reserved for only the Leonardo da Vinci or Edisons. It could be for any person who fathoms the intricacies of a complex hobby, an individual who is fascinated by and driven to know something, or a scientist who is propelled to understand the unknown. It could be for any person who is bold enough to push back boundaries, tenacious enough to endure obstacles, and romantic enough to march to a different drummer.