Interchange Third Edition emphasizes learner responsibility and autonomy. One example of autonomous learning included in the new course is the Self-study listening section at the back of the Student’s Book. This additional listening material enables students to listen on their own at their own pace. Self-study segments can encourage learners to take greater responsibility for their own learning.
The article "Responsibility and Autonomy" explains what makes a responsible learner, why learner responsibility should be promoted, and how to develop student autonomy. This article appears on pages 3 to 10 of Learner Autonomy, by Ágota Scharle and Anita Szabó, published by Cambridge University Press in 2000. Click here to read the article.
"Finding Out About Your Students" is a survey to find out how receptive students are to the concept of autonomy. In this survey, Scharle and Szabó point out that it is important to know what experience students already have in terms of responsibility and autonomy. Once that has been established, the teacher can decide what attitudes and skills need most attention. To help collect information about students, Scharle provides a ready-made survey, which can be translated, if necessary, and used with any class. This survey appears on page 17 of Learner Autonomy. Click here to read the survey.
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