Autonomous Learners
As usually this week was full of readings and expectations of the new project.
As usually this week was full of readings and expectations of the new project.
Together with my students we have visited a lot of sites with daily and weekly news, studied the structure of the posts and photos which can “talk” with the viewer. I have offered my students to choose themselves whether they wish to work in collaboration or alone. We are going to publish our school news in English in the Internet. The students decide what to write about themselves. At present they are looking for something interesting what has happened in November. I believe that this project will help me to bring up autonomous learners.
Learner autonomy brings to our classroom more learner-centered kind of learning and radical change in teacher and learner roles. First of all the roles of the teachers change - they become counselors and managers of learning resources.
Motivation is one of the key factors that influence the rate and success of foreign language learning. As we work with the students of the 21 century we should take into consideration that all of them belong to the world of computers and can't imagine their life without them. I observe my students with amazement because they are eager to fulfill any task which I give them using a computer.
Our students are not born autonomous learners. We, teachers, should help them to learn how to learn by means of adapting resources, materials and methods to their needs.
Thanks to the Internet all teachers have equal opportunities for the professional development and access to various resources. It is difficult for me to imagine how we could teach students without computers 10 years ago. Because by means of the computer and the projector my students do presentations of their projects, demonstrate writing skills in story writing, critically evaluate written materials and graph survey information. With the help of technology I can easily access to a selected Internet site to enhance discussion, illustrate the point and retrieve authentic data.
Motivation is one of the key factors that influence the rate and success of foreign language learning. As we work with the students of the 21 century we should take into consideration that all of them belong to the world of computers and can't imagine their life without them. I observe my students with amazement because they are eager to fulfill any task which I give them using a computer.
Our students are not born autonomous learners. We, teachers, should help them to learn how to learn by means of adapting resources, materials and methods to their needs.
Thanks to the Internet all teachers have equal opportunities for the professional development and access to various resources. It is difficult for me to imagine how we could teach students without computers 10 years ago. Because by means of the computer and the projector my students do presentations of their projects, demonstrate writing skills in story writing, critically evaluate written materials and graph survey information. With the help of technology I can easily access to a selected Internet site to enhance discussion, illustrate the point and retrieve authentic data.
Irina
Hello Irina,
ОтветитьУдалитьIn addition to what you have mentioned above regarding the need of a gradual change of the role of the teacher, learner autonomy should be explicitly expressed as a CURRICULUM OBJECTIVE also.
This requires also “teacher’s autonomy”, a concept which requires teachers to have a sense of personal responsibility for their teaching by continuous reflection, analysis, and exploration of the freedom of flexibility in teaching.
I agree that autonomous students weren't born so. Autonomy is a culture fostered by teachers and parents. All should take part in this highly demanded responsibility.
Regards,
Hassan
Hi Irina
ОтветитьУдалитьI agree with you that 21st century Students cannot imagine doing without a computer. Even where they are not taught with computers in school,they interact with it through face book which is very popular with the youth.
I also wish to support Hassan that it is the teacher to create autonomous learners since they are not born but made.
Have a fruitful week.
mbatia francis
Dear Hassan and Fancis,
ОтветитьУдалитьThank you for your comments.
I think it's a good idea to express learner autonomy as a curriculum objective.
I fully agree with you that autonomy is a part of culture and “teacher’s autonomy” is strongly required.
I wish you good luck in the comming week.
Irina