Module Unit Session Topic Module 1 Unit 1. 3. Developing learner autonomy 3 Ways of fostering learner autonomy in the classroom Objectives to raise the participants’ awareness as for ways to foster LA Time 80 minutes Materials Handouts 1, 2; laptop, projector/TV, PP and presentation equipment
Activity 1. Reflection on the learning experience Which of these conditions for developing Learner Autonomy (LA) you observed in your last English language classes: • student-centered methods • transfer of autonomy to outside the classroom • awareness of the learning process • motivation • collaboration • choice • flexibility • adaptability • reflectivity
Activity 2. Learner autonomy defined Choose those keys words from the given list that help you to define LA possibility activity decision-making responsibility rights learning to take charge of to control teacher to monitor independent process opportunity
The ability to take charge of one’s learning … to have, and to hold the responsibility for all the decisions concerning all aspects of this learning. Holec (1981)
The following list states the characteristics that define the autonomous learner: • Regularly participates in the definition of the objectives, understands the purpose of the task and influences the content and structure of the program • Shows responsibility and initiative in the development of pre-planned actions. • Collaborates in the orientation of work and with those who form a collective with learning preferences. • Systematically reviews the agenda, reflects on what has already been learnt, evaluates effect, develops and uses selfevaluative criteria. • Self- regulates his/her interaction with other participants and the proper employment of resources. • Maintains a positive attitude and behavior despite possible learning difficulties and manages to generate high levels of motivation. • Uses a series of strategies through which he/she achieves a more spontaneous and effective degree of communication. Easily handles different roles in discussion and enjoys a high level of social autonomy in his/her learning. • Successfully transfers what has been learnt to new contexts. • Is conscious of challenges and reflects upon his/her own contributions. • Has a positive image of him/herself, is creative and disciplined. • Undertakes and develops investigative processes. • Enjoys activities that favor social interaction. • Regards the teacher as a guide; prefers individual tasks, tutorials and distance/ off-campus learning.
Learner autonomy broadened • work in pairs, consider the statements and fill in the gaps • choose 3 statements which sound vital in terms of LA and comment on your choice It’s time to check your home assignment
Practices to foster LA • Split into small groups, read the practices (HO 2. 1) and group them after working out the headlines for grouping. • Write the headings in blank squares, organizing the practices under them.
• Now, half of the students in each group go clockwise to observe the other groups’ ideas • The rest stay where they are and explain to the newcomers the ideas of the grouping • Go back to the original groups, share the ideas, introduce changes if necessary
Key to headings
• go back to the original groups, share the ideas, introduce changes if necessary. • compare your headings and grouping with the key • choose one group of practices and comment on the practices that can foster LA • reflect on your own experience in groups: choose one of the suggested ideas and comment on it. Choose the presenter to report • choose the questions to discuss:
Ø Which of these practices have you observed in your classes as students? Ø Which of these practices have you never experienced as students? Ø Which of these practices would you like to experience? Ø Which of these practices can be especially effective in a language lesson? Ø Which of these practices can be the least promising in a language lesson?
Implementation of LA in the classroom
Creative work Instruction: Basing on the ideas discussed, choose a topic for your group creative work: Recommendations to a language teacher to foster LA in a language class Ways to foster my LA Your own choice Pass the papers clockwise and add any ideas if necessary.
