The actual experience of autonomous learning methods in a technical higher education institution

Abstract

The article deals with autonomous learning conception which is of high priority in pedagogic science. This theory has passed a rather long evolution, however at present interest in autonomous learning is sweepingly growing and that is stipulated by several reasons – transition to European educational standards, class hours’ reduction, graduates’ competitiveness in job market, life-long learning conception. Special attention is paid to different methods of foreign language autonomous learning that proved to be effective in technical university – making use of electronic information-educational environment "Boomerang", debates, defence of Master thesis in two languages, taking part of technical students’ reports at linguistic conferences. The importance of academic achievement monitoring in autonomous learning is also mentioned. In conclusion it is underlined that autonomous learning does not depreciate the teacher’s role in educational process but the pedagogue’s functions themselves definitely change.