Pixel International Conferences

Heterogeneity in EFL classes and exceptional situations, such as the Covid-19 pandemic, necessitate extraordinary flexibility in language-course design. Teachers are confronted with challenges they have not been adequately prepared for. To meet the standards of excellent teaching practice, especially in times that make face-to-face classes impossible, teachers are required to employ strategies that guarantee learning success and keep students motivated.
Self-Directed-Learning (SDL) in combination with E-Learning offers the students the freedom to choose their individual learning goals and -tools and provide the learners with autonomy in regards to time, place and pace of studying. The self-directed learning (SDL) approach embraces and reaches the diversity as it provides students with the opportunity to take initiative and responsibility for their learning progress. They can select their own learning goals and activities and pursue them at any time, in any place and using any materials and tools they want, guided and supported by their teacher.
The combination of self-responsibility and independence results in higher student motivation even in difficult situations.
E-learning seems to be the perfect complementary approach as it enables students to find and use learning materials and tools that support their individual learning style. It also facilitates a constant exchange between learners and teachers for regular feedback, which considerably enhances the students’ motivation.
The combination of SDL and E-learning places the teacher in the role of a facilitator and guide rather than a lecturer, and it ties in perfectly with online teaching. Apart from that, it allows students to be completely autonomous and supports them in reaching their individual learning goals.

Keywords: Student motivation, learner’s autonomy, E-learning.