Chapter 5 Learner Strategies and Learner-Focused Teaching and Response

This chapter explores the concepts of learner control: how the learner takes responsibility for second-language acquisition and what strategies can be used to foster the ability of the learner to be in charge. Strategic teaching addresses the need for educators to promote high-level instruction that will allow English learners to extend their academic potential. Learner strategies are defined as “systematic plans, designs, procedures, or maneuvers used during learning.” So, to reach the learner’s ultimate goal in studying second language, they can utilize various strategies.

Utilize various strategies emphasis on learner autonomy places the education of English learners. Learner autonomy can be defined as “the learners’ feeling that studying is taking place due to their own volition. Autonomy enables students to feel pride in their own achievement. Equipped with strategies for language and use as well as academic and survival skills, students can take more responsibility for improving both their language abilities and their learning processes.

Response to Jiyoung Moon
I have the same idea as she has in this part. She wrote the learner autonomy must be supported in a systematic way by the teacher and curriculum for the learner to benefit. Most students are trained to memorize what they have been assigned in class. . Students may need explicit training from an instructor on specific required skills (Diaz-rico, p.131). That is, Learner autonomy can be defined as “the learners’ feeling that studying is taking place due to their own volition (p.104). Of course it must be accompanied by teachers’ systematic strategy for learners to maximize efficiency.

Response to Jua Lee
She also mentioned about learner’s autonomy in second language acquisition (SLA). She said it enables students to feel pride in their own achievements and becomes the basis for self-managed, self-motivated instruction. Many teachers have had the experience of facing a classroom of highly disciplined yet passive learners who will do everything necessary to achieve high grades but have little desire to learn anything that is not required. In this situation teachers try to make student have both self-motivated and self-managed attitude!