Monday 19 November 2012

Week 7

14.11.2012
It is only today (after last week's tasks) that I am accessing my blog.  I was really busy with the Deepawali festival, the festival of light, which was held on Tuesday in Mauritius.  Those of India would surely understand the meaning of this festival; but for those who do not know about it, it is a festival whereby  light prevails over darkness, the good over evil.  It is a day where we light earthen lamps in the house and distribute sweet cakes with family, relatives and friends (and neighbours).

On this World Diabetes Day, let me put behind all those sweet cakes I've been eating yesterday and concentrate on our course:)

This week, I see that we have to look for prospective partners who would be required to vet our project soon.  Well, up to now I do not have anyone in particular in mind....I'll just have to wait and see...

The Learner Autonomy task seems quite interesting, except that I haven't read much on it yet.  However, it appears that it must be something interesting that will be useful for my final project as well.  Let me have a look at what awaits me for this week now....



18.11.2012
After reading through the various literature provided on Learner Autonomy, I found out that to a certain extent it is what I normally tell my students as 'self-learning', with some variations of course:)
Here in Mauritius, learners (most of them) tend to be quite dependent on teachers and their notes or teachings.  Some may term a teacher "bad" if the latter does not give notes!!  making them work on their own is not considered proper for many of them since we teachers are suppose to be there for them.
I have tried to make some of my students autonomous by starting with some project and research work to be done.  For some, it was quite a pain but for others it proved to be a revelation of their own 'powers'.
 

2 comments:

  1. Deepak,
    Yes, Deepak both articles on learner autonomy are very interesting.I like the second article especially as it's a first person narrative .when you realize it is a reflection, you feel like reading to the end .The author leaves a message and requests us to be autonomous teachers in order to create autonomous learners.Definitely both articles will be useful for our final projects and Deepak I'm your project partner.
    With best wishes,
    Disna



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  2. Hi Deepak,
    I love those times when we make merry and celebrate with relatives friends and neighbours I can only imagine the fun you had.

    The topic on learner autonomy was a very interesting one for me too. I think this prepares students for the real world out there once they are through with their studies. Seeing ones students prosper out there is a teacher's joy.

    Regards
    Rukia

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