Learner autonomy and one computer classroom seemed to be our challenge this week. I believe we have reached the point in education where we have no other option than to realize the importance of learner autonomy and therefore include learner awareness training exercises in our school curricula. The competitive requirements of the global environment have made us realize that the lack of skilled workers might affect the future of our countries and as the employers are increasingly demanding, we also need to equip our students with "soft skills" such as effective communication.Thinking about it, we could even say that the learner autonomy training is a prerequisite to any further education or graduate employment. Self-esteem and desire to learn seem to be the most crucial elements not only in the process of learning the second language but in the whole career development of a person and the trainings provided in the language classrooms have a significant impact on the social nature of the learner. Conversely, a lack of self-esteem and lack of motivation can negatively affect students' future choices and decisions about their future life. No doubt then that the modern education needs to offer up to scratch preparation.
Dear Alicja,
ReplyDeleteYou are absolutely right that lack of skilled workers and 'soft-skill' will have a huge impact on the future of our nations.Besides, low self-esteem and low motivation will also impact the learners' future choices. therefore along with the teachers concerned authority should provide the opportunities so that the students can beak out of the traditional system of learning, instead, they need to do it all by themselves under the supervision of their teachers. In short, learners' autonomy should be put into practice!
Regards,
Julhas
Dear Alicja,
ReplyDeleteIt is indeed true that "self-esteem and desire to learn seem to be the most crucial elements..." for the development of a person. I suppose this is why WE are doing Webskills ~ our own desire to learn and progress prompted us to apply for this course though we are all busy with our own work schedules.
Thus, our role as teachers/educators is more important today than yesterday because we need to instill this desire in our students from young. To create students who will be intrinsically motivated to be lifelong learners should be our vision.
Regards, Pam
Dear Alicja,
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that we have no other options than to realize the importance of learner autonomy. We are already late and we will be too late if we don’t take initiatives to aware our kids and our society about it.
As we all know the famous quote by John Dewey, “If we teach today’s students as we taught yesterday’s, we rob them of tomorrow." now,the time has come to change the long established traditional mode of teaching and learning of our homelands. It’s not easy however it's not impossible. The availability of cheap computers and excess on internet facilities can help make our dream come true.
Like what Pamella says we need to instill in our students the desire to learn independently.
Sitaram