Autonomous language learning is the
idea that learners are capable of learning a language on their own,
outside the language classroom. Language programs that focus on
incorporating autonomous language learning usually have some sort of
self-access center with resources and guides, where the learner can
go during his or her free time to study. In this model, the classroom
is often seen as a place for learners to interact with an expert (the
teacher) and with other learners. Instead of focusing entirely on
grammar and vocabulary, classroom time is spent creating
language learning goals and sharing positive and negative experiences
of learning. As our teaching methodology moves towards a more
student-centered model, and as internet technology becomes
increasingly more available throughout the word, we are seeing that
this model of language learning is a growing reality for students
(and teachers) everywhere.
There are several reasons that I like
this model of language learning.
- Motivation – Autonomous language learning utilizes the learner's motivation. For the communicative classroom to function properly, it is essential that the learners are all motivated to study, learn, and interact. When learners lack intrinsic motivation, the teacher is stuck trying to think of colorful circus tricks and rewards in order to get learners to talk to each other and to study outside of class. Autonomous language learning forces learners to take greater responsibility for motivation.
- Power – This model places the power in the hands of the learner. The learners make their own goals and plans to achieve these goals. The learners choose what they are going to learn. The teacher is available to guide the learner in the event that they don't know where to go or what to do, but the ultimate choice is in the hands of the learner. This will lead not only to more relevant language learning, but also to a greater sense of personal responsibility for the material. Moreover, giving learners the power over their own learning equips them for life-long learning.
- Authenticity – I have written before about authenticity in language learning, and about how I think it is one of the most important parts of language teaching. Autonomous language learning allows learners to take advantage of authentic materials that teachers cannot feasibly use in the classroom, due to time constraints, discrepancies in learner levels, and access, etc. In this model, learners have more exposure to native-speaker materials and less exposure to pedagogical texts and “classroom talk”.
In my own life, I am trying to learn
German. As a supporter of this autonomous language learning, I feel
that my own learning experience should reflect my teaching
methodology. I am hesitant to sign up for a language course because I
feel that, with a little guidance, I should be able to take advantage
of the materials available to me while I am living in a
German-speaking environment.
However, I have had some trouble
identifying good materials for myself as a learner, which proves (to
me, at least) that autonomous language learning does NOT reduce the
need for a teacher. I will continue to develop my plan and see if I
can create path for myself, and I will share my reflections along the
way.
Along that line, several blog articles
and websites stuck out to me as particularly helpful for and/or
related to autonomous language learning this week.
The Telenovela Method of LanguageLearning. Very
interesting article about the use of Mexican soap operas to learn
Spanish, good tips for learning on your own with this method, and
some resources.
The NEW Issue of the SiSAL (Studies in Self-Access Learning) Journal.
I'll just say that I like this journal. I also like that it is
completely open-access, so you can read it without a subscription.
There are some good articles in this issue, and in past issues, for
those of you who would like to know more about autonomous language
learning (or self-access learning).
I found this website in an article from
the new issue of the SiSAL. I haven't had a chance to test it yet,
but wow! It looks like an amazing resouce. I wish they had it for
other languages. Basically, it is a collection of video clips with
transcripts, and learners can watch the videos, read the text, and
record themselves saying the lines. Supposedly, they also compare the
recording with the original to tell students how they are doing. I
know that Google has something to do with the site, and I'm pretty
sure it is free.
I regularly read this blog, and I saw
this article about talking to native speakers of the target language.
It struck a chord with me, and I think that following the advice that
the author gives about “just talking” is instrumental in
autonomous language learning.
Does anyone have experience in
autonomous language learning (or teaching) that they can share? What
about some more good resources for independent learning?
