Kuma Chapter 6

            As I read Chapter 6 in Kuma, my mind was starting to consider all the things we have been talking about the past few weeks and connect them with this idea of learner autonomy. All the strategies whether it’s simply a writing, reading, listening, or a speaking strategy work in cohesion with the overall learning strategies we spoke about today in class. These learning strategies can be further applied to learner autonomy and learners being successful in the greater world. The quote on the very first page of the chapter seemed to sum up the chapter said to me, “learners must no longer sit there and expect to be taught; teachers must no longer stand up there teaching all the time. Teachers have to learn to let go and learners have to learn to take hold.“ (Brian Page, 1992, p. 82). It has this sort of “grab life by its horns” mentality about it where learners must realize their role in their own learning through self-initiated processes. By doing this, it seems learners must take into account pathways of discovery through strategic learning experiences and training. Teachers can facilitate these routes, open new doors, and encourage learners to challenge themselves through sharing, encouraging open discussion, and creating comfortable learning environments for all students. Ideally, then, students would identify ‘what works for them’, collaborate with others, and reach for new opportunities. Notice, I said, “ideally”.

            In many aspects this sort of learning environment is truly awesome! However, this means that teacher and learners are constantly working together towards a similar goal with similar motivation, and this, is not always the case. I agree with the conclusion of the chapter that “this might call for a fundamental attitudinal change” on almost everyone’s part in order to work together. I also think, this means that learners have to make decisions about learning that they might really not be ready to make. I do, however, think goal setting and the activities suggested to get to those goals are something teachers can implement in the classroom to get students on the same level. Finally, using things like Figure 6.6 can really help both the teachers and students to see where they stand when it comes to learning how to learn, autonomy, and strategic influence.

            In conclusion, I found many important connections between chapter 6 and the recent topics we have been discussing in class. It seems this learner autonomy, which is something both students and teachers strive for even if it is subconscious, is made up of many different learner styles, strategies, and even backgrounds. Ultimately, an achieved sense of learner autonomy for all students would be ideal but as teachers, we must help to build that from the beginning.