Interviews with adults experienced in foreign language self-instruction generated profiles of language experience at learner and self-instructed language-token levels. Results showed separations between languages with and without self-instruction. The most effective learning route was starting with classwork. Ab initio self-instruction produced…

This research study compared the effects of three instructional methods--collaborative synchronous online communication, asynchronous online communication, and independent study as traditional in grammar translation method--in English reading comprehension. A quasi-experimental research design included pre and post reading comprehension tests for…

Designed as a brief introduction to Romanian, this beginner-level workbook includes the Romanian alphabet, phonetics, similar Romanian/English words, basic expressions, numbers, basic dialogue, and greetings. (CNP)

The autonomous language learner takes responsibility for the totality of his learning situation. He does this by determining his own objectives, defining the contents to be learned and the progression of the course, selecting methods and techniques to be used, monitoring this procedure, and evaluating what he has acquired. Objectives are specific…

Describes the use of "Personalized System of Instruction" (P.S.I.) in the second semester of a first-year high school Chinese class that contained students of widely divergent ability levels. (KM)

Examination of the effectiveness of a classroom approach to foreign language (Spanish) learning indicated that, although students apparently preferred to work in groups, there was no significant difference between achievement of students who worked in groups or those who worked independently. (CB)

Describes a one-year experiment in self-directed learning for intermediate English students at the School of Mining Engineering of Nancy (France). Analyzes students' responses to a questionnaire and teachers' observations in an attempt to evaluate the effectiveness of this approach as compared to traditional second language courses. (MES)

The Self-Instructional Language Program at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro is described. Students transcribe their own set of lessons from master tapes and are expected to study at least two hours daily. Each week they converse in small groups with native speaker "drill instructors." (MLW)

Discusses methods for encouraging advanced language students to learn on their own. Successful learning results from the high stimulation and continuous activity of conscious and unconscious observation. If the learner is enabled to observe consciously outside the classroom, he will do it unconsciously and learning will be constant. (PJM)

Examines the components constituting autonomy in second language learning. The article focuses on helping students make and execute choices in the domains of communication, learning, and their personal life. These components form the basis of a conceptual framework for coordinating strategies to help learners develop autonomy. (24 references)…

Investigated the impact of extensive reading on an adult's self-study of Japanese over a 20-week period. Data were collected from a learner diary, audio recordings from several private tutorial sessions, and vocabulary tests. Results show extensive reading can enhance vocabulary acquisition and reading comprehension and promote a positive attitude…

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.…

Computer-assisted language-learning literature points to a need for experimentation with innovative learning structures to realize the full potential of recent technological developments. Reports on a research project that addresses these concerns by exploring the experiences of 23 French second-language learners as they worked independently with…