DEPENDENT-INDEPENDENT LEARNER: EXPERIENCES OF A NOVICE INDEPENDENT LEARNER DURING AN MA STUDY IN A UK UNIVERSITY

Mahrukh Shakir, Waqar Ahmad
2021 Humanities & Social Sciences Reviews  
Purpose of the study: This paper reveals the feelings and experiences of the researcher regarding the transition from a familiar to an unfamiliar context and understanding the concept of 'independent learners and 'independent learning' throughout a one-year MA in the University of Southampton, UK. Methodology: Written in the form of a narrative by employing a diary, this article presents a brief account (a snapshot) of the researcher's journey, which includes the struggles, gains, and losses
more » ... ing survival as a novice independent learner who had come from a completely different culture and educational setting. Main findings: The study concludes that training (guiding and facilitating) novice independent learners and developing their metacognitive awareness about 'independent learning' might help in empowering and producing efficient independent learners. Applications of this study: The paper proposes some useful suggestions for the teachers and educators in learner training, based on and limited to the researcher's observations and experiences. Novelty/Originality of this study: Based on the theory regarding meta-cognitive awareness and discussing it as a vital part of learner training and the significant role that it plays in dealing with the challenges of independent learning,
doi:10.18510/hssr.2021.93119 fatcat:y35be6kpxfgcnkli3yybmoqrru