FOSTERING AUTONOMY THROUGH REFLECTION AND SELF-STUDY

Abstract

The importance of empowering students to take charge of their learning and become active participants in their own education cannot be overemphasized. Developing student autonomy should be a primary objective not only in language learning but also in any educational context. Reflecting critically on one's study and the ability to set learning goals are frequently lauded as the cornerstones of developing autonomy. This small-scale study examines the impact of utilizing a set format for low proficiency students to reflect on their lessons, identify weaknesses, and set their own individual study goals. The study found that implementing this approach over a fifteen-week semester saw an overall improvement in student autonomy, with positive feedback received from the students. While there is certainly room for improvement and refinement of the method, given the ease of implementation and small-time commitment of the activity, behooves teachers to consider implementing similar activities in their own classroom.