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The Autonomous Learner Model (ALM) is a program designed to help learners work towards the goal of independent or autonomous learning. The model was originally developed to meet the diversified cognitive, emotional and social needs of gifted and talented secondary students but has now been successfully adapted for use in the primary years.

The model consists of five major dimensions:

1. Orientation - understanding giftedness, group building activities, self/personal development

2. Individual Development - inter/intra personal understanding, learning skills, use of  technology, university/career awareness, organisational and productivity skills

3. Enrichment - courses, explorations, investigations, cultural activities, community service, excursions, camps

4. Seminars - small group presentations of futuristic, problematic, controversial, general interest or advanced knowledge topics.

5. In-Depth Study - individual projects, group projects, mentorships, presentations, assessment of self and others

An autonomous learner is "one who solves problems or develops new ideas through a combination of divergent and convergent thinking and functions with minimal external guidance in selected areas of endeavour". (Betts and Knapp, 1981)