The author first clarified a few misconceptions of learner autonomy. Then he defined learner autonomy as a learner's capacity for critical self-evaluation and self-determination, an ability to take control over and responsibility for her learning.
Next, the author described and evaluated two tandem learning projects. He mentioned that problems in tandem learning could occur if learners placed more emphasis on personal learning objectives rather than collaboratively negotiated goals.
Tandem learning is a good idea for L2 learners to communicate and learn with an L1 expert. However, it may not be practical in primary schools, since teachers need to monitor the communication between the tandem partners.
Learner autonomy now becomes a hit topic even in primary schools. Young kids in my school are required to fill in a reflective report after the teacher finishes a mathematical topic (e.g. equation). Students write about their feelings in the report, also the classroom activities they like most. Some of them ask questions in the reflective report. A reflective report is a good way for the teacher to know a student's progress and thinking. However, if the students are required to write in their L2, they may feel a bit painful. I think.
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Your school is really a pioneer in curriculum planning. This is the first time I heard a school doing reflection on Math in primary level. Reflection is a necessary learning process. I agree with you that learners may have difficulties in using L2 to reflect. I also worry that reflection this concept is too vague and ambiguous for lower primary kids. Are they mentally and intellectually ready for such high level of thinking?
We had that project with HKIEd. This year, we tried it on mainly P6students. They're doing better and better in the reflections.
So, did your colleagues ask the students' feeling about writng reflections? How did they react?
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