LEARNING AUTONOMY
First of all, it seems necessary to be acquainted with some definitions for the words autonomy and autonomous in order to follow the thread of this discussion. “Autonomy is the power or right of self-government or self-determination.” “Autonomous is the condition of self-governing or the state of being independent.” (Funk and Wagnalls, Standard Ecyclopedic Dictionary).
Thanasuolas, Holec, and Sheu’s writings about Learner Autonomy have explained that individual learners differ in their learning habits, interests, needs, motivation, and developing independence through their lives. Based on this consideration, Autonomy may be viewed as a process not a product; a process in the sense that for attaining the stated goal, the learners’ brain must be filled up with resourcefulness, initiative, and persistence; whereas, the teacher’s concern should go towards constructing a supporting scaffolding for empowering students.
I have learnt that learner autonomy is supported by at least three philosophies, i.e. Positivism, stating that knowledge reflects objective reality. Constructivism is a philosophy that encourages and promotes self-directing learning. Critical theory is that one which judges learning as an interacting process in social contexts.
However, autonomous learning cannot occur separately from strategies; thus, “strategies are mental operations that learners use to learn a new language and to regulate their efforts.” For understanding autonomous learning, let us see the chart below.
HOW CAN SELF-LEARNING BE PROMOTED?
Self-learning can be attained through self-reports (introspective reports). Have learners report what they are thinking while they are performing it.
Self-learning can be reached through retrospective reports. Have students extract information by relying on, for example, an interview.
Self-learning can be obtained by means of diaries and evaluation sheets. Have learners plan, monitor, and evaluate their learning, identify problems, and suggest solutions.
“Autonomy can be best achieved when the teacher may act as a facilitator of learning, a counselor, and as a resource. By changing negative feelings, beliefs, and attitudes might facilitate learning through persuasive communication.”
To conclude, let me state that “I have also learnt that technology can be another means for breaking fears” I felt so released when I finally could find a partner to work with. I am happy for that.
Holguer
Hello Holguer,
ResponderEliminarI am impressed with your blog in the sense that it mirrors the learning from the week giving the concept of autonomy autonomy and autonomous clearly.I like the statement 'strategies are mental operations that learners use to learn new language and to regulate effort' and the chart to describe the concept better.As you said, autonomy can certainly be best achieved when teachers change their role from controller to facilitator. It needs change in feelings, beliefs and attitudes.
Finally, I like your statement that technology can be another means for breaking fears.The things that offer more freedom will certainly be the means for breaking fears!
Yours
Harimaya
Dear Holguer,
ResponderEliminarLike Harimaya, I agree you really write an impressive blog reviewing the week. Congrats!
With regard to the use of technology, I think it's a double sided blade, it can break down the fear, but to some, it may increase the effective filter instead, because many learners are not prone to technology. But luckily with the new generation, I find many of the students are better in technology than teachers.
Thanks for posting on my blog, and you did a very good work in yours!
Regards,
Yea-huey
Hello Holguer,
ResponderEliminarWonderful presentation! I liked it very much. As Hari Maya Huey noted, this is a clear summary of the readings and works you have done this week. You have clearly talked about the theme of the articles written by Thanasuolas and Shue. You have also recommended some techniques for promoting self-learning. I especially liked your point - “Autonomy can be best achieved when the teacher may act as a facilitator of learning, a counselor, and as a resource." Definitely, teachers in this century are the forces who change potential power of the learners into kinetic.
Wish you all the best.
Kamal
Hi Partner
ResponderEliminarWhat a lovely reflection you ahve written. The hottest topic of the last 7 days, Autonomy. It is a great summary of the issue with a chart as well. You pointed out the most important aspects of autonomy, one of which is teacher's role. If we can change ourselves, we can change many things around us, I believe. However, it is not always so easy to be so brave, is it? I hope, we can make any changes that will help our learners.
By the way I very happy to be partners with you and Susi. I have just put Susi's name on the form, I hope she has not changed her mind. I hope we can do a good job.
Best, Nehir
Hi Holguer,
ResponderEliminarGreat post! I like your post on the philosophy underlying students' autonomy. I quoted on my blog post.
To Nehir:
I'm happy to work with you too. I hope too the three of us will produce a good job.
kindly
Susi
SUsi