FOSTERING AUTONOMY THROUGH REFLECTION AND SELF-STUDY
Abstract
The importance of empowering students to take charge of their learning and become active participants in their own education cannot be overemphasized. Developing student autonomy should be a primary objective not only in language learning but also in any educational context. Reflecting critically on one's study and the ability to set learning goals are frequently lauded as the cornerstones of developing autonomy. This small-scale study examines the impact of utilizing a set format for low proficiency students to reflect on their lessons, identify weaknesses, and set their own individual study goals. The study found that implementing this approach over a fifteen-week semester saw an overall improvement in student autonomy, with positive feedback received from the students. While there is certainly room for improvement and refinement of the method, given the ease of implementation and small-time commitment of the activity, behooves teachers to consider implementing similar activities in their own classroom.
Keywords
Full Text:
PDFReferences
Absalom, Matthew, and Diane D. S. Léger. 2011. "Reflecting on Reflection." Arts and Humanities in Higher Education 10 (2): 189–211. https://doi.org/10.1177/1474022210389141.
Benson, Phil. 2011. Teaching and Researching: Autonomy in Language Learning. 2nd ed. London: Routledge.
Dam, Leni. 1995. Learner Autonomy 3: From Theory to Classroom Practice. Dublin: Authentik.
Dickinson, Leslie. 1995. "Autonomy and Motivation: A Literature Review." System 23 (2): 165–74. https://doi.org/10.1016/0346-251X(95)00005-5.
Farrell, Thomas S. C. 2016. "TESOL, a Profession That Eats Its Young! The Importance of Reflective Practice in Language Teacher Education." Iranian Journal of Language Teaching Research 4 (3): 97–107. https://doi.org/10.30466/ijltr.2016.20356.
Ghanizadeh, Asfaneh, Ali H. Al-Hoorie, and Safoura Jahedizadeh. 2020. Higher Order Thinking Skills in the Language Classroom: A Concise Guide in Second Language Learning and Teaching. New York: Springer.
Henderson, Kate, Ksenija Napan, and Sylila Monteiro. 2004. "Encouraging Reflective Learning: An Online Challenge." In Proceedings of the 21st ASCILITE Conference. https://www.ascilite.org/conferences/perth04/procs/pdf/henderson.pdf.
Holec, Henri. 1981. Autonomy and Foreign Language Learning. Oxford: Pergamon.
King, Patricia M., and Karen S. Kitchener. 1994. Developing Reflective Judgment: Understanding and Promoting Intellectual Growth and Critical Thinking in Adolescents and Adults. New Jersey: Jossey-Bass.
Klimas, Anna. 2017. "A Goal-Setting Logbook as an Instrument Fostering Learner Autonomy." In Autonomy in Second Language Learning: Managing the Resources, edited by Miroslaw Pawlak, Anna Mystkowska-Wiertelak, and Jakub Bielak, 21–33. New York: Springer International Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-07764-2_2.
Little, David. 2007. "Language Learner Autonomy: Some Fundamental Considerations Revisited." Innovation in Language Learning and Teaching 1 (1): 14–28. https://doi.org/10.2167/illt040.0.
Litzler, Mary F. 2014. "Student Satisfaction with Using Independent Study Logs as Part of English Classes." Theory and Practice in Language Studies 4 (8): 1527–35. https://doi.org/10.4304/tpls.4.8.1527-1535.
Litzler, Mary F., and Margarita Bakieva. 2017. "Learning Logs in Foreign Language Study: Student Views on Their Usefulness for Learner Autonomy." Didáctica: Lengua y Literatura 29: 65–80. https://doi.org/10.5209/dida.57130.
Matsuzaka, H., M. Fujieda, and S. Mahoney. 2004. "The Officialization of English and ELT in Japan: 2000." World Englishes 12 (3): 471–87. https://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.0883-2919.2004.00369.x.
Menegale, Marcella. 2020. "Using Logbooks with Second and Foreign Language Learners in Higher Education: Learner Autonomy in Progress." Philologiia Hispalensis 34 (1): 99–119. https://doi.org/10.12795/PH.2020.V34.I01.06.
MEXT (Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology). 2003. "Regarding the Establishment of an Action Plan to Cultivate ‘Japanese with English Abilities.’" March 3. https://www.gifu-net.ed.jp/kyoka/eigo/CommunicativeEnglish/Regarding%20the%20Establishment%20of%20an%20Action%20Plan%20to%20Cultivate%20%A1%C8Japanese%20with%20English%20Abilities%A1%C9.htm.
Mezirow, Jack. 1998. "On Critical Reflection." Adult Education Quarterly 48 (3): 185–98. https://doi.org/10.1177/074171369804800305.
Murase, Fumiko. 2012. "Learner Autonomy in Asia: How Asian Teachers and Students See Themselves." In Innovating EFL Teaching in Asia, edited by Thomas Muller, Sarah Herder, John Adamson, and Philip S. Brown, 65–78. London: Palgrave Macmillan. https://doi.org/10.1057/9780230347823_6.
Murase, Fumiko. 2015. "Measuring Language Learner Autonomy: Problems and Possibilities." In Assessment and Autonomy in Language Learning, edited by Carol Everhard and Linda Murphy, 35–63. London: Palgrave Macmillan.
Nishino, T., and M. Watanabe. 2008. "Communication-Oriented Policies versus Classroom Realities in Japan." TESOL Quarterly 42 (1): 133–38. http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/j.1545-7249.2008.tb00214.x.
Nowlan, Andrew G. P. 2008. "Motivation and Learner Autonomy: Activities to Encourage Independent Study." The Internet TESL Journal 14 (10). http://iteslj.org/Techniques/Nowlan-Autonomy.html.
Nunan, David. 1997. "Designing and Adapting Materials to Encourage Learner Autonomy." In Autonomy and Independence in Language Learning, edited by Phil Benson and Peter Voller, 192–203. London: Longman.
O’Malley, J. Michael, and Anna U. Chamot. 1990. Learning Strategies in Second Language Acquisition. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Sakai, Shien, and Akiko Takagi. 2009. "Relationship Between Learner Autonomy and English Language Proficiency of Japanese Learners." Journal of Asia TEFL 6 (3): 297–325. https://www.asiatefl.org/main/download_pdf.php?i=220andc=1419309891.
Uebuchi, H. 2007. "Jiko Kōryoku-Kan, Fuan, Jiko Chōsei Gakushū Hōryaku, Gakushū no Jizokusei ni Kansuru Inga Moderu no Kenshō — Nōkiti-Teki Hen to Dōmotivēshon-Teki Hen no Jiko Chōsei Gakushū Hōryaku ni Chakumoku Shite" [Self-Regulated Learning and Metacognition: From the Perspectives of Intentionality, Selves, and Environments]. Japanese Psychological Review 50 (3): 227–42.
Vajirasarn, Andy. 2014. "Students’ Perceptions of Keeping a Language Learner Journal." Essays and Studies 65 (1): 109–25. https://researchmap.jp/g0000216044/published_papers/16360870/attachment_file.pdf.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.22190/JTESAP240414039S
Refbacks
- There are currently no refbacks.
ISSN 2334-9182 (Print)
ISSN 2334-9212 (Online)