| Learner
autonomy |
A
key concept in modern teaching theory. The main idea behind learner
autonomy is that students should take responsibility for
their own learning, rather than be dependent on the teacher.
Learner autonomy involves ideas such as:
- the teacher becoming less of an instructor and more of a
facilitator
- discouraging students from relying on the teacher as the
main source of knowledge
- encouraging students’ capacity to learn for themselves
- encouraging students to make decisions about what they
learn
- encouraging students’ awareness of their own learning
styles
- encouraging students to develop their own learning
strategies
Several recent technological developments have helped
encourage greater learner autonomy. CD-ROMs are available for
complete language courses, or as supplementary material for
textbooks. Through the Internet, students can take self-access
or distance learning language courses. Many schools and
universities have their own intranets to complement
traditional courses. These developments will probably never
completely replace the classroom and the teacher, but are
already dramatically changing our role as teachers.
Related ideas: cogntivism,
learner
training, learning
strategies, learning
styles.
|
