The aims of this module are to give you a deep understanding of the concept of learner autonomy and to encourage you to think about whether and how you might try to encourage it in your students. The module is divided into three main sections, each of which contains information on the particular topic, useful links and short tasks.

Part 1 looks at the concept of learner autonomy, and at the different ways in which it has been defined. It then examines some ways in which learner autonomy can be fostered in the language classroom. By the end of this first section you should know what is meant by learner autonomy, and have thought about how and why you might promote it amongst your students.

Part 2 looks at language learning strategies. By the end of this section, you should be aware of the different types of strategies that are thought to promote successful language learning. You should have some ideas concerning the types of language learning activities that promote the use of such strategies. You should also have thought of ways to encourage your students to reflect on their own strategy usage.

Part 3 focuses on language learning styles. After having completed this section, you should have some idea of different types of learning styles, and the different language learning preferences that they might lead to. You should find it easier to discuss learning styles with your students with a view to identifying their best way of learning.