¨LANGUAGE AWARENESS-LEARNING AWARENESS IN A COMMUNICATIVE APPROACH: THE KEY TO LEARNER INDEPENDENCE¨

Keeping in mind that today there is a widespread interest in the topic of learning independence, training learners for independence can become a valuable component of communicative approach to language learning.

An empowered teacher is a reflective decision maker who finds joy in learning and in investigating the teaching/learning process— one who views learning as construction and teaching as a facilitating process to enhance and enrich development. Fosnot (1989, p. xi)

Help learners make sense of their learning. Make learning an object of learning. Help students to become successful learners.

Philosophy of learning to learn Learning styles and learning strategies Student Vs. learner Study habits Social skills Critical thinking Student centeredness Multiple intelligences Self and peer assessment and feedback Tutoring Language skills

“Learner training (LT) theory essentially argues that less successful learners can improve their learning capabilities if they are trained to use learning strategies employed by successful language learners (O’Malley, 1987). At the center of this argument is the belief that L2 learners are active decision makers in their learning.”

Direct strategies: used to solve specific learning tasks. Examples are memory strategies (used to store and retrieve language), strategies used to process language (cognitive strategies) and those used to communicate, although imperfectly (compensation strategies).

INDIRECT STRATEGIES: Also known as metacognitive strategies, are used to manage the process of learning and include planning, evaluating, self-monitoring and emotional strategies.

Answer the following questions based on the experience you had implementing learning to learn in your learning process:  What does learning to learn mean to you?  What did you learn?  What are the benefits of learning to learn?  What did you like most about learning to learn?  How effective was learning to learn in your learning process?  Do you plan to continue using learning to learn to your learning strategies?

Thank you very much!!