This article reports on a collaborative research project which involved first-year distance learners of Chinese, French, German, Japanese and Spanish at a New Zealand university. Drawing on the principles of Allwright's exploratory practice, the study aimed to gain an insight into the learners' experiences and conceptualisations in terms of their…

Discusses the form and use of learning contracts in second- language teaching and learning. It is suggested that learning contracts are an ideal means to offer language learners greater opportunities to work toward, and achieve, individual goals. (Author/JL)

This interview focuses on the qualities and characteristics of autonomous learners, the related concept of learner training, and self-assessment. (Contains eight references.) (JL)

Self-instruction, more likely applied to adult learners, depended on the extent to which learners more or less consciously make decisions about aspects of the learning situation and control them. Issues of control are discussed and examples of relevant learning situations are offered, including group work and computer-assisted learning. (16…

While self-paced instruction works well at earlier stages of Latin language learning, it becomes ineffective at intermediate levels. Latin students are expected to read continuous prose by the third or fourth term. Classroom instruction is better for the transition from syntax and grammar to reading, where group effort reinforces learning. (PJM)

Discusses two parallel processes at work that are upgrading the role of the learner and downgrading that of the teacher. The article examines the reactions of teachers to this situation. The article concludes that improved training for second-language teachers is required to address the problems arising from this situation. (CK)

Argues that fostering learner autonomy is an important and appropriate goal in language course design, but that principles to guide the design of such courses are currently lacking. Proposes five course design principles for language courses that seek to promote learner autonomy. (Author/VWL)

Examines three aspects of computer technology that allow learners to develop cognitive and metacognitive skills and that facilitate learner autonomy: database organization in a self-access facility, computer-assisted language learning, and the use of menus to organize programs and files. An argument is made that technology should neither control…

Because of the complexities of language, it is very difficult to get students to continue learning after formal instruction is over. Three things are needed: (1) methodological preparation, where the student learns how to continue learning; (2) psychological preparation, where students become confident in controlling their learning, and (3)…

Argues that word learnability and ease in the second-language classroom can serve as guidelines in second-language instruction for the following: the selection of words to be taught; the presentation of words; the facilitation of long-term memorization; the development of strategies for self-learning; and the assessment of vocabulary knowledge.…

A detailed, nonimpressionistic assessment checklist is presented for teach-yourself language packages. Two example research applications are given: a survey of a range of course packages, and an analysis of the patterns of materials used by an individual learner of Hungarian. (39 references) (Author/LB)

Reflecting on the experience of creating a university self-access center in Cambodia, this paper challenges the idea that individual autonomy is a necessary goal in self-access. It proposes ideas for self-access design that offer the prospect of a more friendly environment to learners whose culture and upbringing may predispose them against…

Reviews theoretical and research literature on learner strategies and self-directed language learning, particularly concerning the role of metacognitive knowledge in learning. Argues that too little attention is given to the function of metacognition in language learning. Practical implications for second-language instruction are discussed.…

The hypothesis explored is that autonomy in education and language learning is more significant than the ability to make responsible choices, relating more to exploration of the self-concept and to the realization of personal and group potential. Experiential learning is discussed in this context. (25 references) (Author/LB)

Investigates the integration of Computer-Assisted Language Learning (CALL) into the curriculum for occasional use, for independent study, for developing particular skills, and as the focus of a course. (Author/VWL)