Autonomy and Individualisation in Language Learning

Learning Outcomes

Subject Specific Practical Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• plan and design learning and support materials for use in a self-access centre.
• apply the specific interests in learner autonomy that you have developed during the module to your own working context;

Knowledge and Understanding

Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

• current thinking in the area of learner autonomy and its related concepts;
• the theoretical and practical issues relating to the area of learner autonomy such as needs analysis, learner strategies; learner support and training, materials design, use of technology and self-access centre design and use.

Transferable and Generic Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• use appropriate technologies to prepare learning and teaching materials e.g. authoring software;
• plan and monitor your own learning more effectively

Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• critically evaluate the theories, approaches and practical solutions that have been introduced during the module;
• identify and analyse the issues surrounding the development of learner autonomy in a range of contexts.

This module explores the themes of learner autonomy, resourced-based and open and distance learning and their practical outworking in an institutional context. You will be encouraged to think through ways of facilitating learning and in particular to consider the role of a self-access resources centre in the language learning process, including the place of technology. There will be plenty of opportunity to observe and work with learners using the Centre for Language Study (CLS) Language Resources Centre. Apart from the theoretical base which underpins the concept of learner autonomy, the topics covered, and their precise focus, will be selected in consultation with the module participants and the final programme will be drawn up after the first meeting.

Teaching methods include

• Seminars and workshops

Learning activities include

• Data collection e.g. observation of self-access learners; interviews; individually/group designed studies
• Formative tasks and assignments, e.g. joint presentations; contributions to an online discussion forum;
• Acquisition of technical skills

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.