Into the looking glass - reflections of a self-directed learner acquiring a second language

Abstract

Self-directed learning is a key concept in the field of adult education. Until recently, the primary focus in this field has been on the procedural aspects of the self-directed learning process, This research report has attempted to widen an understanding of self-directed learning by interrogating cognitive and affective, as well as procedural aspects of a selfdirectedlearning experience.

The principle aim of the enquiry was to theorise my own practice as a self-directed learner so as to gain insight into the different dimensions of self-directed learning from the learner’s perspective. I chose the acquisition o f a second language, Sotho, as my selfdirected learning project, and lived with a family in a remote village in the mountains of Lesotho in order to acquire the language. Most of the data for the research was collected in the form of an in-depth learning journal, which was used as a tool to reflect on the learning experience and ascertain information significant to the cognitive and affective aspects of my self-directed learning experience.

To extend the study beyond the limits o f a purely descriptive account of a subjective learning experience, the research design incorporated some external observation in the form of assessment of the product of my learning; my language proficiency. This shift in perspective was in keeping with the heuristic nature of the study, and also enabled me as learner and researcher to gauge my understandings of the experience against external interpretations. The external assessment reflected an improvement in my language proficiency, which concurred with my own assessment,

The research results suggest that the subjective aspects of the self-directed learning process, as well as the learning context and the learning process are as important as the learning procedure adopted. Cognition and affect are closely interconnected and cannot be ignored if effective and transformative learning is to take place. Journal writing was identified as an important means of promoting reflective learning, whereby a selfdirected learner could develop a critical understanding of the relationship between the different aspects of her learning and their combined influence on the learning process. Advantages of learning a second language as a self-directed learning activity point to the development of a responsible learner, aware of her ability to control and direct and actively participate in every aspect of the learning process.