The present field study report comprises two major
components:
1. the theories of autonomy and self-directed
learning and the analysis of needs and
reasons for increasing student autonomy.
2. some practical issues concerning
acquisition of autonomy in E.F.L.
learning.
The modernization of China requires a high level of
education of the whole nation. But because of the large
population and limited educational facilities, the
formal educational institutions cannot meet the needs of
the country. To solve the problem, self-directed
learning (S.D.L.) is recommended and encouraged by the
government. Although S.D.L. is considered to be a
practical way to cope with the situation, the problem is
that most people do not know how to undertake
independent study. The reason is that the dominance of
traditional pedagogy in Chinese formal education leads
to passive and dependent school learning which
suppresses students' potential to become autonomous in
their learning. Therefore, after leaving school, they
are not capable of continuing their learning by
themselves.
In order to deal with the problems in traditional
Chinese teaching, the significance of increasing student
autonomy needs to be fully recognized in the Chinese
educational context, and self-directed learning should
be introduced to formal educational institutions.
Some practical issues must be considered in
undertaking S.D.L. in the E.F.L. context.
First, the role of the teacher needs to be
redefined. The teacher will primarily act as a
counsellor and facilitator who will guide the students
in their learning, and secondarily as a resource for
content information.
Secondly, S.D.L. materials need to be prepared.
These materials will not only help to improve the
students' language competence but also encourage them to
learn how to learn. This study discusses the types and
sources of materials and suggests certain criteria and
procedures for selecting and producing these materials.
Thirdly, self-assessment is a central and crucial
feature of S.D.L. In autonomous learning, it is the
learner's responsibility to assess his own progress. In
order to take this responsibility he needs to acquire
self-assessment skills. Some techniques of
self-assessment are introduced.
Finally, in considering how to provide the learners
with an effective learning environment, this study puts
forward suggestions for establishing a self-study
center. Some language skills and learning activities
which can be practised in the center are also described.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:ADTP/219484 |
| Date | January 1984 |
| Creators | Yan, Ling, n/a |
| Publisher | University of Canberra. Liberal Studies |
| Source Sets | Australiasian Digital Theses Program |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Rights | ), Copyright Ling Yan |
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