Developing Autonomy Through Student-Centered English Language Learning Process for Engineering Students

Abstract

This article focuses on how the incorporation of autonomy into university students’ learning process improves their English language performance. The participants of this study were 25 students of engineering programs in a public university. Data collection was done through observation, a survey, and a group interview. Two categories that emerged after the data analysis supported the main finding that technology-based activities can be conceived as a starting point for the incorporation of autonomous learning in the English language education at the university.

How Drama Enhances English-Speaking Skills: The Role of Drama in Teaching English-Speaking Skills in Selected Secondary Schools in Kigali City, Rwanda

“…Even though speaking is rarely examined during language learning, speaking plays a crucial role in the process of acquiring a language (i.e., mastering English). According to Olaya (2018), when speaking, improving speaking efficacy becomes the main goal, and students must quickly grasp and identify any language, grammar, or pronunciation errors that could lead to misinterpretation of the message.…”

“…Drama can also be used to increase the students' involvement in structural development because they are independent (Olaya, 2018). This instance can be described as a "learner-centered" strategy that emphasizes students' independence and autonomy (Olaya, 2018).…”

“…Students can progressively practice dialogue and conversation to present the drama, adding to practicing daily talk when making preparations. Students can practice the conversation and dialogue in these instances both separately and collectively, and they can effectively remember dialogue by practicing so that they make fewer pronunciation, grammar, or vocabulary mistakes on stage (Olaya, 2018). Sukendro (2019) argues that students benefit from repetitive oral practice because it promotes the growth of characters, individual traits, and motivations, resulting in a more casual style of speaking.…”

“…Different scholars have suggested the role of drama in teaching English-speaking skills. According to Olaya (2018), the role of drama is to increase the students' involvement in structural development because they are independent. This instance can be described as a "learner-centered" strategy that emphasizes students' independence and autonomy (Olaya, 2018).…”

“…According to Olaya (2018), the role of drama is to increase the students' involvement in structural development because they are independent. This instance can be described as a "learner-centered" strategy that emphasizes students' independence and autonomy (Olaya, 2018). Project-based learning, such as drama, which pushes students to share their responsibilities with the group, can help students develop their autonomy, and they must undoubtedly communicate with one another while working in a group during the debate tasks.…”