| Definitions: | E |
Main Points:
Independent Learning is defined by Jeffries (1990) as:
| "Learning in which an individual or group of learners study on their own, possibly for a part of parts of a course, without direct intervention from a tutor. This can involve learners in taking greater responsibility for what they learn, how they learn, and when they learn. It can also lead to learners being more involved in their own assessment. Independent learning is likely to be most effective when at least some support is available." (Jeffries: 1990) |
Contrasting independent learning with other terms used to describe related ideas such as autonomous learning and self-directed learning can be problematic.
Pemberton (1997: 2 - 3), in the introduction to his book, discusses the wide range of terms used in the language field. Holec, he says, sees autonomy as, "an ability or a capacity that needs to be acquired" rather than a process, and self-directed learning as, "learning that may take place when autonomy is being or has been acquired". Dickinson , he says, disagrees, defining ‘self-direction’ as the potential, and ‘autonomy’ as the action of carrying out the responsibility for learning. Little, he says, disagrees with this definition of autonomy, saying that it is an ideal state, and as such rarely realised. Others, he says, point out the autonomy is not a "steady state" because it can vary with time and task.
The confusion about definitions has been addressed by Benson and Voller (1997: 13) who say:
| Monolithic definitions of autonomy and independence have proved elusive, and it is perhaps more productive to speak of the different versions of the concepts which correspond to different perspectives and circumstances. Accepted means of implementing autonomy and independence through self-access and self-directed learning have also proved open to question, and again it may be more productive to think of a range of possibilities for implementation. |
Therefore this study will utilise sources that refer to independence, autonomy and self-directed learning where they can inform the design and development of the CILL web site.
Benson, Phil & Voller, Peter, eds. (1997) Autonomy and Independence in Language Learning London: Longman
Holec, Henri (1981) Autonomy in Foreign Language Learning Oxford: Pergamon
Holec, Henri (1980) Learner training: meeting needs in self-directed learning. In Altman, H.B. & James, C.V. (eds.) Foreign Language Learning: meeting individual needs Oxford: Pergamon
Jeffries, Clive et al. (1990) A-Z of Open Learning National Extension College Trust
Pemberton, Richard; et al.(1996) Taking Control: Autonomy in Language Learning Hong Kong, Hong Kong University Press, 1 - 8