Introduction

The nature and origin of learner autonomy: A reminder

In the Introduction we explained that for us language learner autonomy is a special case of learner autonomy, and we followed Edward Deci (1996) in arguing that learner autonomy responds to a universal human need and exploits a universal human capacity. In other words, for us autonomy is a cultural value because it is a matter of how we manage our own behaviour (cf. Ryan & Deci, 2006: 1558). The exercise of learner autonomy in the L2 classroom requires, of course, that learners become skilled in managing their own learning. But it also requires that we acknowledge and build on the capacity for autonomous behaviour they bring with them, which means finding ways of using their existing knowledge and interests to support the acquisition of proficiency in a new language.

The key role of target language use

In Chapter 1 we began our exploration of the procedures of the autonomy classroom by focusing on the role of the TL. We did so because in our view language learner autonomy entails that from the very beginning the TL itself is the channel through which, as far as possible, the learner's agency should flow: autonomous language learners should use the TL to plan, monitor and evaluate their learning. We discussed TL use chiefly from the perspective of the individual learner: how his or her interests and knowledge, experience and sense of identity can be drawn into the complementary and sometimes overlapping activities of intentional learning and creative text production, both of which also generate substantial amounts of incidental learning.

The role of interaction in learning

This is not to say, however, that the autonomy classroom views learning as an exclusively individual phenomenon. On the contrary. The word cards, dominoes and picture lotto described in Chapter 1 are shared with other learners, who thus have an opportunity to benefit from the interests and effort of their peers, engaging with words and phrases that they might not otherwise have encountered.