Modular Instruction Enhances Learner Autonomy

Ma. Theresa Bringas Nardo^1,

¹General Education Department, Tarlac Agricultural University, Camiling, Tarlac, Philippines

Cite this paper:
Ma. Theresa Bringas Nardo. Modular Instruction Enhances Learner Autonomy. American Journal of Educational Research. 2017; 5(10):1024-1034. doi: 10.12691/education-5-10-3

Abstract

The paper presents the importance of using modules in the language classroom to effect autonomous learning among the language learners. Modular instruction is an alternative instructional design that uses developed instructional materials which are based on the needs of the students. Students are encouraged to work on various activities that are interesting and challenging to maintain focus and attention [1], thereby encouraging independent study. The research discusses the benefits of using modules for instruction such as the acquisition of a better self-study or learning skills among students. Students engaged themselves in learning concepts presented in the module. They developed a sense of responsibility in accomplishing the tasks provided in the module. With little or no assistance from the teacher, the learners progressed on their own. They learned how to learn; they were empowered.

Keywords:
learner autonomy modular instruction independent learning personal pace of learning

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. To view a copy of this license, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

References:

[1]	CRUICKSHANK, D. et al. 2003. The Act of Teaching. Third Edition. 1221 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY. McGraw Hill Companies.
[2]	DEWEY, J. 1961. Dewey on Education. New York: Bureau of Publications, Teachers College, Columbia University, LB875, D368 1961X.
[3]	GONZALES, E., et al. 2006. A modular Approach to Writing in the Discipline. Anahaw Enterprises, P.O. Box 126, 3100, Cabanatuan City, Philippines.
[4]	CALDERÓN, M. Hertz-Lazarowitz, R. and R. E. Slavin. 1998.Effects of Bilingual Cooperative Integrated Reading and Composition on students making the transition from Spanish to English reading.In The Elementary School Journal, 99, 2, 153-165.
[5]	ANDERSON, L. M. 1995. Assignment and Supervision of Seatwork. In L. W. Anderson (Ed.), International Encyclopedia of teaching and teacher education (pp. 264-268), Oxford, Pergamon Press.
[6]	EMOTIN-BUCJAN, M. 2011. Development and Validation of Modules in English 2: Writing in the Discipline. Unpublished Thesis. Surigao del Sur State University, Tandag Campus.
[7]	PIAGET, J. 1965. The Moral Judgment of the Child. Free Press.
[8]	DEARDEN, R. F. 1972. ‘Autonomy and Education. In R. Dearden, P. Hirst & R. Peters (eds), Education and the Development of Reason. London: Routledge & Kegan Paul pp. 58-75.
[9]	TUMPOSKY, N. 1982. 'The learner on his own'. In M. Geddes and G. Sturtridge (eds.). Individualisation. London: Modern English Publications, pp. 4-7.
[10]	VOLLER, P. 1997. Autonomy and Independence in Language Learning. Harlow: Essex: Longman.
[11]	DAM, L. 1990. Learner Autonomy in Practice. In Gathercole, I. (ed.). 1990, p. 16. CILT. Great Britain: Bourne Press.
[12]	BOUD, D. 1988. Developing Student Autonomy in Learning. New York: Kogan Press.
[13]	KOHONEN, V. 1992. Experiential Language Learning: Second Language Learning as Cooperative Learner Education. In Nunan, D. (Ed.), Collaborative Language Learning and Teaching, pp. 14-39.
[14]	KNOWLES, M. 1986. Using Learning Contracts: Practical Approaches to Individualizing and Structuring Learning, Jossey-Bass, San Francisco.
[15]	UNCIANO, G. 2010. Learner Autonomization in the Classroom Language Learning Situation. Unpublished dissertation, Benguet State University, La Trinidad, Benguet.
[16]	NUNAN, D. 1988. The Learner-Centered Curriculum. Cambridge. Cambridge University Press. In Benson, P. and P. Voller (Eds.).
[17]	NUNAN, D. 2009. Second Language Teaching and Learning. Cenage Learning Asia Pte. Ltd. (Philippine Branch), Unit 2105-2106, Raffles Corporate Center, Emerald Avenue, Pasig City, Philippines.
[18]	SCOTT, R. 1989. The relationship between elementary teachers’ use of theoretical knowledge about seatwork during instruction and students’ on-task behavior. Unpublished Doctoral Dissertation, Columbus: Ohio State University.
[19]	EMMER, E., et al., 1982. Improving Classroom management: An Experimental Study in Junior High Classroom. Austin: The University of Texas (ERIC) Document Reproduction Services ED 261 053). Teacher evaluation study (pp. 7-32). Washington, DC: National Institute of Education.
[20]	FISHER, C., et al., 1980. Teaching behaviors, academic learning time, and student achievement: An overview. In C. Denham & A. Lieberman (Eds.), Time to Learn: A review of the beginning.
[21]	GUMP, P. 1967. The classroom behavior setting: Its nature and relation to student behavior. Lawrence: University of Kansas (ERIC Document Reproduction Services ED 015 515).
[22]	ROSENSHINE, B. 1980. How time is spent in elementary classroom. In D Denham & A, Lieberman (Eds.) Time to learn: A Review of the beginning teacher evaluation study (pp. 107-126). Washington DC: Institute of Education.
[23]	KOUNIN, J. 1970. Discipline and Group Management in Classroom. Chicago: Holt, Rhinehart, and Winston.
[24]	MSANJILA, Y.P. Problems of teaching through the medium of Kiswahili in teacher training colleges in Tanzania, Multilingual and Multicultural Development. 11(4).
[25]	PERSKY, H. M. DAANE, and Y. JIN, 2003. The Nation’s Report Card: Writing 2002. U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics.
[26]	TRIOA, G.A. and GRAHAM, S. 2003. Effective writing instructions across the grades: What educational consultant should know, Journal of Educational and Psychological Consultation. 14: 75-89.
[27]	Waguey, L. 2012. Effectiveness of Task-Based Instructional Materials in Developing Writing Skills of BS Fisheries Freshmen. Unpublished Dissertation. Benguet State University.
[28]	NARDO, M.T.B. 2013. Development and Evaluation of Modules in Technical Writing. Doctoral Dissertation. Benguet State University, La Trinidad, Benguet.
[29]	ANDERSON, L., N. BRUBAKER, et al. 1984. Making seat work. Research Series 142. East Lansing, MI: College of Education, Michigan State University.
[30]	SEOW, A. 1995. The Writing Process and “process writing”, Teaching of English Language and Literature. 11 (1): 60-63.
[31]	ROTHWELL, W. et al. 1998. Mastering the Instructional Design Process. Jossey-Bass., Publishers, 350 Sansome Street, San Francisco, California.
[32]	SHEERIN, S. 1997. An Exploration of the Relationship between Self- access and Independent Learning. In Benson, P. and Voller, P. (eds.). 1997. Autonomy and Independence in Language Learning. London: Longman.
[33]	THANASOULAS D. What is Learner Autonomy and How Can It Be Fostered? akasa74 [at] hotmail.com. Accessed on August 20, 2011.