Promoting independent learning through
language learning and the use of IT
The author first introduces The National Institute of Education (NIE). It is a teacher training institute where students must play a more active role in their learning. For example, students are expected to develop learner autonomy and take charge of their learning in the institute’s self-access centre (SAC). There, students can freely choose their learning materials, make their own plans and do various activities to improve their target language. The purpose of this paper is to find out whether students from China who are used to depending on teachers’ instruction and textbooks consider that SAC is an effective way to help them improve their English or not. The study finds out that some students like this learning process because they think they can learn English based on their needs and weakness. For example, they improve their listening and daily conversation by watching movies. However, some students are not used to SAC. They felt lost when they work on their own. So, for these students, the author suggests that facilitators need to help students especially in the initial stage.
I like self-access centre because it consists of a wide range of resources such as multimedia computers with English Learning Websites and with access to e-mail and the Internet. Also resources like movies, CD and audio cassette players are useful for listening and pronunciation practice. All materials are available directly to all learners. Learners can find the learning materials based on different levels, styles, goals and interests. Learners need to decide for themselves when to study, their pace of study, and the level and type of materials that they use. I like this way to learn language. From my learning experience, I found out sometimes teachers’ instruction becomes interference. When learners are not ready to learn the advanced level, teachers push learners to move on to the following stage. Besides, learners’ weakness and learning styles are quite different. If learners can choose their learning materials to strengthen their weakness, then learning will become more efficient. However, SAC offers a self-access environment in which students need to take more responsibility for their learning. Thus, I think learner autonomy amongst its users is a key to successful learning. Giving learners support and guidance in planning the schedule can help learners to have direction in what they are going to do and when to do. Also, if learners can pass the on-line quiz, give feedback or comment about what they learn, post their project or show any performance on the evaluation platform before the deadline they set for themselves, learners will be able to learn independently and successfully.
The author first introduces The National Institute of Education (NIE). It is a teacher training institute where students must play a more active role in their learning. For example, students are expected to develop learner autonomy and take charge of their learning in the institute’s self-access centre (SAC). There, students can freely choose their learning materials, make their own plans and do various activities to improve their target language. The purpose of this paper is to find out whether students from China who are used to depending on teachers’ instruction and textbooks consider that SAC is an effective way to help them improve their English or not. The study finds out that some students like this learning process because they think they can learn English based on their needs and weakness. For example, they improve their listening and daily conversation by watching movies. However, some students are not used to SAC. They felt lost when they work on their own. So, for these students, the author suggests that facilitators need to help students especially in the initial stage.
I like self-access centre because it consists of a wide range of resources such as multimedia computers with English Learning Websites and with access to e-mail and the Internet. Also resources like movies, CD and audio cassette players are useful for listening and pronunciation practice. All materials are available directly to all learners. Learners can find the learning materials based on different levels, styles, goals and interests. Learners need to decide for themselves when to study, their pace of study, and the level and type of materials that they use. I like this way to learn language. From my learning experience, I found out sometimes teachers’ instruction becomes interference. When learners are not ready to learn the advanced level, teachers push learners to move on to the following stage. Besides, learners’ weakness and learning styles are quite different. If learners can choose their learning materials to strengthen their weakness, then learning will become more efficient. However, SAC offers a self-access environment in which students need to take more responsibility for their learning. Thus, I think learner autonomy amongst its users is a key to successful learning. Giving learners support and guidance in planning the schedule can help learners to have direction in what they are going to do and when to do. Also, if learners can pass the on-line quiz, give feedback or comment about what they learn, post their project or show any performance on the evaluation platform before the deadline they set for themselves, learners will be able to learn independently and successfully.
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