DEVELOPING ENGLISH LANGUAGE SKILLS THROUGH INDEPENDENT LEARNING: CHALLENGES AND SOLUTIONS IN NON-PHILOLOGICAL UNIVERSITIES
Abstract
The rising use of English as a global language has resulted in English language proficiency becoming a prominent academic and professional necessity for English language learners from non-philological universities. Owing to limited classroom contact time and varied disciplinary needs, independent learning has emerged as a vital element of teaching English language proficiency at higher education institutions. This paper will discuss challenges and solutions related to developing English language proficiency through independent learning at non- philological universities. Following the format of IMRAD, this research paper uses a mixed- methods research approach targeting undergraduate participants and English language lecturers. Findings from this research paper indicate that, while independent learning improves autonomy and development of language proficiency, its effectiveness gets hindered by low-level motivation, poor learning strategies, and a lack of feedback. This paper recommends pedagocial strategies like independent learning tasks, e-learning tools, and novel forms of assessment. This research paper enunciates that implementation of systematic independent learning in English language courses has a marked effect on developing improved English language proficiency and autonomy.