Developing autonomous learner in Japan: Working with teachers through professional development

The issues relating to proficient learners or beginners who can adapt the term of LA well are various. Some researchers agree if proficient learners effectively conduct LA because they are older and can manage themselves. However, the rests are the opposites. They believe that beginners efficiently implement LA because they are categorized as people who learn something new. Therefore, they will find many difficulties and they are expected to solve their own problem with their own strategies. Most researchers suggest that the learners should determine the kind of strategies for themselves.

In Asian context, the tearm of LA must be truly implemented because the students mostly count on their teacher as the main sources. If this is still continuing, the learners cannot be independent and tend to hang on their teacher. They will wait for the teachers explanation or instruction to start learning.

Commonly Found Questions

Question	:	What can be done to support our teacher in promoting learner autonomy?
Answer	:	The teacher can take part in a professional development workshop or engage in collaborative dialogue will colloeagues. Therefore, the teacher could recognize the constraints and know how to overcome them.

Question	:	What is the biggest obstacle overcome by the teacher in Indonesia in promoting learner autonomy?
Answer	:	The biggest obstacle encountered by the teachers to promote LA is the lack of understanding by the means that many teachers are not familiar with the concept of learner autonomy. It is, therefore, the teacher have to be encouraged to find out the benefit of promoting LA and how to apply it into the classroom.

Critical Analysis

            The problem of LA in Asian countries is very high. Fortunately, EFL teachers in Asian countries welcome this term. They are aware of its importance. In fact, the students tend to count on their teachers. It means that the teacher becomes the main resource of learning. This problem should be solved by introducing and promoting LA. The students should be encouraged to be independent learners. The teachers should introduce some strategies regarding LA. Also, the issue of the stage of LA are variagated. The terms LA should not be specified to beginners or proficient learners. It should be addressed to all learners with all levels. The thing which should be paid attention or highighted is that the students face problems. Then, they are required to manage themselves by knowing their difficulties and the appropriate strategies to choose.

 References

Barnard and Li. 2016. Language Learner Autonomy: Teachers’ Beliefs and Practices in Asia Context. Phnom Pehn: Ankor Thom Printer Co. Ltd.

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