The Training Of Autonomous Learning Strategies Through Reading

Presently, it is a widespread phenomenon in many engineering-oriented universities that freshmen have difficulty getting accustomed to the settings of college English learning. Their language proficiency is poor. Their English learning is totally exam-oriented. Their heavy schedule makes them view English learning as a burden. Furthermore, there is a gap between English learning in senior middle school and in college. The aim of this thesis is to research into the actual causes of students'difficulties, and, based on the learning autonomy and learning strategies theory, to tackle the problem.The training was conducted at my university, on the main campus. It includes needs analysis/ learner analysis, training syllabus design, experiment and assessment. Experiments employed to train students'autonomous learning strategies are mainly focused on reading, especially extensive reading. The training consists of a direct training of one week and an embedded training of four weeks. In the experiments, the learning strategies the students applied were carefully monitored. Those efficient strategy users were frequently praised, and those who were not strategy conscious enough were provided with further guidance. The learning literature was carefully chosen so that the students had not much difficulty in their daily reading. At the end of the sessions of experiment, an oral report, a questionnaire and an achievement test were held to check the students'progress.The results proved positive. The students had acquired some basic language learning strategies, which facilitated their own language learning. They exhibited promoted attitude and motivation towards the English language learning. In addition, they also made improvement in reading skills. After the training, the subjects developed basic autonomous learning ability, and could adapt themselves better to the college English teaching and learning environment.