Understanding Individual Differences And Developing Learning Strategies For Learner Autonomy

This paper aims to promote autonomous learning ability among college students through examining their individual differences, especially the cognitive style differences in learning and behavior, and developing learning strategies that will assist learners to be more effective in their efforts to learn and use the target language.After giving a detailed account of the importance of learner autonomy and its definitions, the writer suggests that learner autonomy mainly consists of becoming aware of, and identifying one's strategies, needs, and goals as a learner, and having the opportunity to reconsider and reshape approaches and procedures for optimal learning. Based on the literature review, the writer explores the interrelationship among individual differences, learning strategies and leaner autonomy.Then a survey is carried out among 32 non-English majors through questionnaires and self-report showing that learners generally prefer autonomous learning but lack proper information and skills. The subsequent study has revealed one possible way to enhance learner autonomy by combining raising awareness of individual differences and providing individualized strategy training. This study finds that learners are more motivated to experiment with various learning strategies when they are equipped with better knowledge about themselves, especially their understanding of their own cognitive styles and the strategy preferences restricted by these styles.Based on the previous researches and the writer's survey, she proposes a styles-and strategies- based autonomous learning model (SSALM) for college students. The SSALM consists of three stages: preparation for autonomous learning, individualized strategy training for autonomous learning and personalization and reinforcement of strategies for learner autonomy. Teachers' role in this model is also suggested to help learner move on to higher degree of learner autonomy.