Fostering Learning Autonomy

The term "autonomy" is being used more and more frequently in educational discussion. Autonomy for a learner is pedagogically recognized as an important objective. Learning strategies are presumed relevant to autonomy in learning. According to the sources available, previous research related to learning strategy training aims mainly at verifying a causal relationship between learning strategies and test achievement. Valuable as the research is, it can hardly ensure a long-term washback on learning; knowledge of certain strategies cannot guarantee a smooth translation into a command of general learning strategies or into autonomy in learning. In formal educational contexts learners will not necessarily find it easy to take ownership of their learning process. They need help and opportunities to practice learning strategies and to exercise taking responsibility for their learning process along with their learning. Domestic research related to strategy training in formal educational contexts is at its initial stage.Teachers are contracted to help learners learn. How can language teachers help their students in developing their learning strategies and becoming autonomous? The study, conducted in two groups in SWNU, Chongqing, China, explored the incorporation of...