Fostering autonomy: implementing change in teachers' attitudes

Few teachers will disagree with the importance of helping language learners become more autonomous as learners, but in spite of widespread agreement on the importance of autonomy and independence, there remains a good deal of uncertainty about their application to language education. Therefore, the development of learner autonomy will depend crucially on the initiative teachers take. As a consequence, it is necessary for teachers' attitudes to learning and teaching to change. In turn, this will bring about a change in their roles and relationships, as they acquire tutoring skills whch help learners learn more effectively and independently.