This book details an action research project designed to explore how a group of learners could contribute to the development of their own autonomy. It was a collaborative student-led effort held over a five week period. Data collected included a pre- and post- project questionnaire
observation notes
video recordings
individual written reflections collected post-project
and audio recordings of group discussions held post-project. The primary data analysis involved inductive qualitative coding
while the questionnaire was analyzed using descriptive statistics and paired-samples t-tests. During the project the students
choosing to work together as a class
negotiated and executed a plan of action. The narrative that emerged highlighted the importance of group dynamics to the process of collaborative autonomy development
including the emergence of a leader figure
the formation of whole-group and sub-group identities
and peer modelling and scaffolding of autonomous behaviour. There were indications that the project had positive effects in terms of promoting metacognition and learner motivation.
