I found an interesting article called Promoting learner autonomy in the ESL classroom using Web 2.0. The article offers different definitions of autonomy, however I found Holec’s definition as cited in the article more approachable and he states that autonomy is the ability to take charge of one’s own learning.
Cindy Gumm the author of the article explains how important the teacher is in the process of autonomy and also how students need to work collaboratively to achieve this goal.
The author also explains how Web 2.0 tools allow students to be more active and collaborate and interact with others. Students are not just browsing through websites but actually creating content and taking charge of their learning process.
Similar to the article we read for class Cindy Gumm advises to use blogs and wikis to practice reflective writing and insists on the role of the teacher as a mentor.
This article is very interesting because I’m a language teacher and ideas like these give me motivation to go beyond a typical class and use tools available on the internet to make students’ experience more meaningful and authentic. One of the aspects I had not considered to the fullest is the role of the teacher. Even though these tools permit learners to control the contact, teachers have to revise the content and make sure learners are in the right track.
Gunn, C. (2011). Promoting learner autonomy in the Esl classroom using web 2.0. TESOL
Arabia Perspectives, 18(2), 20-23.Retrieved from EBSCOhost
Some advice from younger students and their teacher.
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