Paving the Way for Autonomous Learning

 

 

Gloria Kismadi

 

 

The growing demands for better English fluency among Indonesians, and the problem that must be faced if the goal for autonomous language learning is to be achieved is the challenge raised here. Increasing demands for Indonesia’s participation in the international discourse of today as in economics, business, trade, finance and others continue to grow. With English as the primary language used in most international interactions, pressures are placed on Indonesians to become fluent communicators of English if they are to be effective participants. Thus, the current pace with which Indonesians learn English can no longer be tolerated. There is an urgent need to seriously consider training students to become autonomous learners to speed up the process. In this context, certain issues must first be examined: namely, 1) the readiness of student to become responsible for their own learning, keeping in mind dominants student traits and study habits; 2) the readiness of teacher-facilitators to put in time to find materials and learner-motivating activities: 3) the readiness of administrators to provide the necessary facilities and support. While the broader advantage of lifelong learning is worth seeking, the question now is, how ready are we to help our students become autonomous learners.

 

------- ---- -------

 

Kismadi, G. (2002, March). Paving the way for autonomous learning. Paper presented at the national conference on Autonomy, Bandung, Indonesia.

 
Website: www.geocities.com/eltindonesia

Email: eltindonesia@yahoo.com