Self-directed Learning and Learner Autonomy

2012 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Learner Autonomy ◽  
Self Directed Learning ◽  
Directed Learning

Technology and Learner Autonomy: An Argument in Favor of the Nexus of Formal and Informal Language Learning

2019 ◽  
Vol 39 ◽  
pp. 52-58 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chun Lai
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Informal Learning ◽  
Learning Experience ◽  
Learner Autonomy ◽  
Self Directed Learning ◽  
Learning Contexts ◽  
Directed Learning ◽  
Technology Aids ◽  
Constructed Self ◽  
The Relationship

AbstractThis article discusses some of the current research on technology in relation to learner autonomy, outlining major findings on the relationship between technology and learner autonomy in formal and informal learning contexts. Extant literature has discussed both teacher-initiated technology-enhanced formal learning environments and learner-constructed self-directed learning experience in informal learning contexts. Although valuable in the insights it provides into how technology aids learner autonomy, the two bodies of literature have largely been independent from each other, which may constrain our understanding.

scholarly journals Teacher-Led Initiatives in Supporting Learner Empowerment among Malay Tertiary Learners

2014 ◽  
Author(s):  
Naginder Kaur
Keyword(s):  
Learning Environment ◽  
Direct Methods ◽  
Learner Autonomy ◽  
Learning Preferences ◽  
Self Directed Learning ◽  
Business Studies ◽  
Learning Tasks ◽  
Positive Learning Environment ◽  
Directed Learning ◽  
Learner Empowerment

Purpose – Learner empowerment or learner autonomy is regarded by some theorists as the self-propelled, sole effort of the learner. However, in creating self-directed learners who are empowered to learn, the role of significant others such as the instructor is imperative. This study shows how a committed lecturer can play an instrumental role in facilitating self-directed learning among learners.   Methodology – Learner autonomy in vocabulary learning was successfully facilitated among a group of Malay tertiary learners pursuing a Business Studies course in Malaysia. This qualitative study explored the lecturer’s proactive efforts and initiatives in raising learners’ confidence in learning vocabulary. Data were collected through reflective in-depth interviews with the lecturer and learners at the end of every week for one month to obtain insights into their learning experiences.   Findings – The lecturer’s pedagogical approaches of providing sufficient learning opportunities in class, teaching vocabulary in context, using vocabulary lists and direct methods, and building lessons spirally to reinforce learning made complex tasks become manageable and achievable. These efforts were well-commended by the learners in this study. The lecturer's conscious decisions, namely, encouraging collaborative learning tasks and not forcing reluctant speakers were guided by her awareness of the learners’ cultural background which impinged on their learning preferences, thus, creating a non-threatening learning environment.   Significance – This study establishes the case that learner empowerment is not teacherless learning but is fostered when the instructor is able to pitch the lesson at an appropriate level and create a conducive and positive learning environment to synchronise with the learners’ cultural traits.

scholarly journals Introduction to the Special Issue

2021 ◽  
pp. 190-194
Keyword(s):  
Interest Group ◽  
Special Interest ◽  
Language Education ◽  
Learner Autonomy ◽  
Foreign Languages ◽  
Special Issue ◽  
Self Directed Learning ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Directed Learning ◽  
Education Conference

Self-Directed Learning and Advising in Language Education Conference organized by IATEFL Learner Autonomy Special Interest Group (LASIG) and Ankara Yildirim Beyazit University School of Foreign Languages, Turkey (AYBU SFL) took place online on 24 April 2021. It was originally planned as a face-to-face event in 2019, yet it was postponed to a later date due to the global outbreak of the Coronavirus pandemic.

scholarly journals The Effects of Applying Betts’ Autonomous Learner Model on Iranian Students

2012 ◽  
pp. 310-321
Author(s):  
Nahid Yarahmadzehi ◽  
Elham Bazleh
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Language Teaching ◽  
Learner Autonomy ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Self Directed Learning ◽  
Learning Readiness ◽  
Learner Model ◽  
Directed Learning ◽  
Autonomous Learner ◽  
Iranian Students

Classroom-based, teacher-directed language learning has been dominant in language teaching and learning for decades; however, the notion of autonomy is not novel to language teachers. Since the publication of Holec’s book, Autonomy and Foreign Language Learning (1981), autonomy in language learning has been a significant issue for discussion in relation to language learning practices and language teaching principles. Many ESL researchers have turned their attention to learner autonomy in classroom settings; however, learner autonomy in the Iranian context within self-access settings, classroom settings, and school curriculum has not been adequately addressed in the literature. To fill the research gap mentioned above, the present study aims to determine: 1. if Betts’s Autonomous Learner Model (Betts & Kercher, 1999) has any significant effect in terms of students’ self-directed learning readiness, and 2. if Betts’s Autonomous Learner Model has any significant effect on students’ English language proficiency. Adopting a quasi-experimental design, the study involved a comparison between the experimental and the control group. Two instruments were used: Gugliemino’s (1977) Self-Directed Learning Readiness Scale (SDLRS); and standardized TOEFL test. 30 students (group A) were taught English based on a pedagogical model, which blended Betts’s ALM with classroom instruction and 30 students (group B) were taught through a traditional teacher-directed method. Finally, after six months of treatment, TOEFL test and SDLRS test were administered as the post-test and the results were analyzed by means of SPSS software. The results showed that ALM can work with Iranian students as evidenced by generally average performance on SDLRS and TOEFL post-tests.

Independent Educational Activity of Bachelors of Linguistics as Basis of Innovative Process of Self-Training To the Foreign Language

2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (6) ◽  
pp. 47-52
Author(s):  
О. Рожкова ◽  
O. Rozhkova ◽  
И. Демидова ◽  
I. Demidova
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
Scientific Literature ◽  
Academic Competence ◽  
Learner Autonomy ◽  
Educational Activity ◽  
Self Directed Learning ◽  
Student Centered ◽  
Innovative Process ◽  
Self Study ◽  
Directed Learning

The article deals with the issues related to the independent educational activity of bachelor studentsmajoring in Linguistics, namely, the pedagogical conditions for self-study(learner autonomy and autonomous/ self-directed learning), academic competence, the creation of student centered programs, accounting of the components of educational autonomy. In addition, a review of the scientific literature on the phenomenon under study is also being conducted.

scholarly journals Promoting Learner Autonomy and Self-Directed Learning: The Evolution of a SALC Curriculum

2017 ◽  
pp. 169-182 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jo Mynard ◽  
Rob Stevenson
Keyword(s):  
Learner Autonomy ◽  
Language Learner ◽  
The Self ◽  
International Studies ◽  
Learning Center ◽  
Stages Of Development ◽  
Self Directed Learning ◽  
Directed Learning ◽  
Technical Challenges ◽  
Gradual Approach

If key aims of a SALC are to support learners and promote language learner autonomy, then the curriculum is an important tool in order to ensure that this is being systematically addressed. After explaining the context of the Self-Access Learning Center (SALC) at Kanda University of International Studies in Japan, the authors will briefly describe the self-directed learning curriculum, its evolution, and approaches to its evaluation. The development, implementation, and evaluation of a SALC curriculum is not straightforward as there may be political, financial, and technical challenges. However, with planning, persistence, and a gradual approach, a SALC curriculum can eventually become an integral part of a university program. Although the journey of this particular SALC is far from complete, charting its development so far could provide encouragement for SALC managers elsewhere, whose SALC curriculum may be at different stages of development.

Enhancing Classroom Authenticity, Motivation, and Learner Autonomy Through Multimodal EFL Projects

2019 ◽  
pp. 215-236
Author(s):  
Isabella Seeger
Keyword(s):  
Teacher Education ◽  
Real World ◽  
Teaching Practice ◽  
Learner Autonomy ◽  
Project Work ◽  
Self Directed Learning ◽  
Authentic Materials ◽  
Classroom Implementation ◽  
Directed Learning ◽  
Oriented Approach

In German secondary education, the use of authentic literature or film in language teaching is mostly reserved to advanced classrooms, as it focuses primarily on analysis and writing, which rules out using these materials for lower-level learners. However, theories in motivation and learner autonomy suggest that a process-oriented approach involving authentic materials, real-world media, meaningful activities, and self-directed learning, as in multimodal project work, is more suitable for teenagers than traditional coursebook work. Classroom implementation might overcome certain obstacles by careful planning and communication but also points towards changes in the curriculum and in teacher education. This chapter therefore suggests introducing multimodal, (semi-)autonomous project work—illustrated by examples from teaching practice—to raise motivation, foster engagement with language, and develop real-world competences in the learners; however, more in-depth research is needed to establish effects on the learners.

scholarly journals Self-Directed Learning for Learner Autonomy: Teachers' and Students' Perceptions

2019 ◽  
Vol 1 ◽  
pp. 62-73
Author(s):  
Luk Gharti
Keyword(s):  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
English Language ◽  
Language Teaching ◽  
Group Discussion ◽  
Learner Autonomy ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Self Directed Learning ◽  
Teachers And Students ◽  
Directed Learning ◽  
Master Level

The research entitled Self-directed Learning for Learner Autonomy: Perceptions of Teachers and Students was carried out to explore the perceptions about Self Directed Learning (SDL) for Learner Autonomy (LA) and analyze the roles of teachers to engage students in SDL. Considering the objectives, the primary data was collected from five master level English Language Teaching (ELT) teachers and three groups of master level students from Pokhara, Kaski. The purposive non-random sampling procedure was used to select the participants. The study was conducted using in-depth interview and Focused Group Discussion (FGD) tools to collect data. The obtained data from the respondents were analyzed and interpreted using analytical and interpretative procedure. It is a new approach in language teaching and learning in Nepalese context though it has been practicing since earlier. The finding shows that all the respondents have positive perceptions and its great contribution for developing LA. SDL helps learners to achieve better achievement and effective learning. It helps teachers to find the necessary changes and increases motivation to the learners to learn. But because of student’s unawareness, time constraint, no inspirations of institutions, student’s false assumptions, lack of insight knowledge about SDL, etc are creating the challenges in its proper application. In the study, the teachers’ roles are facilitator, helper, and resource provider by creating different situation, encouraging, orientating, inspiring, using Information Communication Technology (ICT) and using multimodality in the classroom.

scholarly journals Promotion of Student Autonomy in Learning the German Language. University Case Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. 231-253
Author(s):  
Sidona Žvaliauskienė
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Foreign Language Learning ◽  
Learner Autonomy ◽  
German Language ◽  
Self Directed Learning ◽  
Student Autonomy ◽  
Language Class ◽  
Directed Learning ◽  
University Lecturers

SummaryThe concept of learner-centered teaching is very popular in modern foreign language didactics. Specialized literature emphasizes repeatedly how important it is to enable individual and self-directed learning processes and to support them with advice. It is obvious that autonomy can be seen as a key competence that is urgently needed in a constantly changing world of work. With the principles of learner orientation and learner autonomy, the roles of university lecturers and students are also changing. So it seems to be essential for lecturers to answer the following questions: Under what conditions can self-determined, efficient and successful foreign language learning take place in a university-learning environment? How much freedom students can or want to endure in a foreign language class? What are the limitations of learner-oriented teaching in foreign language classes? This article reports on the implementation of the pedagogical concepts of learner orientation and learner autonomy and shows why the use of the didactic principle of learner autonomy in universities is a challenging task for both teachers and learners. The statements are based on the insights gained during the BA seminar on contemporary German language at Kaunas Vytautas Magnus University.

scholarly journals An Exploratory Study of the University of Oxford Tutorial Method Regarding Its Relationship to Learner Autonomy

2013 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 10
Author(s):  
Michael K. Ponton ◽  
Paul B. Carr
Keyword(s):  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Study Skills ◽  
Learner Autonomy ◽  
Self Directed Learning ◽  
Master's Students ◽  
University Of Oxford ◽  
General Field ◽  
Directed Learning ◽  
Actual Learning ◽  
The University

The purpose of this qualitative study was to determine the degree to which the tutorial method used with bachelor’s and master’s students at the University of Oxford promotes constructs (e.g., desire, resourcefulness, initiative, persistence, and self-efficacy) associated with learner autonomy. As learner autonomy—subsumed under the general field of self-directed learning—has been studied and posited as being an important goal of higher education that can support personally-chosen trajectories long after graduation, instructional methods that promote this psychological undergirding of human agency are needed. The findings reveal a development of actual learning and study skills; however, in support of learner autonomy, the findings reveal a development of self-efficacy in these same skills as well as in learner independence, which is critical to engaging in autonomous learning activities.

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