Autonomous learning for multicultural learners in Malaysia: contexts and challenges

Abstract

As we enter the era of IT and globalisation, it is essential that we produce Malaysians who are autonomous and dynamic. Malaysians need to develop critical thinking and life-long learning skills in order to stay competitive and meet changing professional needs. It is generally accepted that language and literature are the means by which critical and creative thinking can be enhanced. The relevance of English language in the context of world is undeniable. It is therefore necessary to review the current practices of teaching and learning English and literature in Malaysian Institutions of higher leaning and develop learner training programmes appropriate to the multicultural Malaysian context. These are the primary aims of this IRPA research project. This paper will first present the scope and rationale of the project. The concept of learner autonomy as a concept in language learning and as a broad educational concept, innovation in self-access learning, learning strategies of multicultural students, literacy, identity and social cultural issues in materials design will be issues explored. The paper will also discuss how the project proposes to achieve the desired outcomes of producing firstly, effective learners who are able to come to terms with their strengths and weaknesses and secondly, instructional materials which are cognizant of learner readiness, identities, literacies and social-cultural contexts. This is in line with Dasar Wawasan Negara (OWN), which calls for the production of a workforce that is efficient, productive and knowledgeable (Unit Perancangan Ekonomi 2001 :4).