The Autonomy Approach

The Autonomy Approach presents an important departure from the theoretical discussions which underpin the majority of work on learner autonomy. It introduces a practical perspective to self-directed language learning (teachable-learnable activities rooted in principles of learning), which draws on aspects of study skills and strategies as well as a variety of approaches, namely differentiated, individualised, self-directed, self-access and open-access learning. With the autonomy approach, emphasis is placed on the support offered to learners within the classroom to help them effectively self-direct their own learning, beyond the classroom. The authors examine and explain the theory behind metacognitive knowledge and skills (the roots of successful learning-related endeavours), and support this with an extensive sequence of activities for the teacher and the learner to use - to help learners take the development of their language learning into their own hands. The activities in this book aim not to teach a language but rather, are focused on establishing within learners an awareness of the principle components involved in learning an additional language. These activities are meant to encourage learners (and teachers) to share, select and try out new ways of learning and to reflect on the effectiveness of what they have tried. Finally, the activities are suitable for developing a comprehensive self-directed language learning syllabus or for supplementing an existing course.