Investigating classroom practices fostering a degree of autonomy and participation in primary school children

Abstract

An important and quite a modem aim in education is the way how learners can become autonomous; that is how pupils can learn without the constant presence or intervention of a teacher. In a developing society self-initiated persons are needed to develop a degree of autonomy and hence be ready to take initiatives. To achieve this, good classroom practices that foster autonomous learning and participation are needed. This study starts with different definitions of autonomy -(Davies, Dearden, Gibbs, Boydell). Then a general overview on ideologies and broad aims is followed by a discussion on good classroom practices and some shortcomings. A sample of 35 teachers in 29 state schools and 18 teachers in 9 private schools were asked to answer a questionnaire about classroom activities. Progressive practices which are good sources tor developing a degree of autonomy have been considered to be scarce. This study has proven that this scarcity is mainly felt in state schools with private schools lagging behind in some aspects.