Autonomous Learning and Effective Engagement

Synonyms

Effective learning; Self-regulated learning

Definition

The educational literature is replete with alternative interpretations of what is meant by autonomous learning. More extreme interpretations of this notion, which take autonomous learning to mean independent learning, are based on the idea of the individual being resistant to external influence at all stages of their learning. Consequently, it is important to stress that while autonomous learning is self-managed and self-monitored, learning, sometimes referred to collectively as self-regulated learning, (Entwistle and McCune 2004) such learning may also be informedthrough interaction with peers or by reflection on the views of the educator. Here, the learner uses other persons’ views to sharpen their own views without compromising their personal contribution to knowledge construction with its nuances and insights, so that transmission is not their principal route to knowing. They also accept their individual...