Introducing learner autonomy in initial teacher training

Abstract

'New-style' Workshop 13A coincided precisely with the start of my career as teacher trainer at the University of Malta. The theme of Workshop 13A was, "Language and culture awareness in language learning/teaching (L.2 and L1) for the development of learner autonomy (age 11 - 18)". As animator at this workshop I presented a paper entitled, "Sociolinguistic awareness for learner autonomy", and I argued that the sociolinguistic study of language provides a bridge between language and culture awareness. I concluded that paper by pointing out the importance of having, "linguistically and culturally aware teachers, who know how to learn autonomously themselves." A research and development project was then set up entitled, "Autonomy in teacher training for learner autonomy". I took part in this project (Project Group 2), co-ordinated by Rita Balbi with the intention of creating a project with the following objectives: • to help student-teachers reflect upon, and assess their own level of autonomy; • to help them develop their autonomy as learners; and, as a long-term result, • to foster learner autonomy at school level.