“Stickability” in Online Autonomous Literature Learning Programmes: Strategies For Sustaining Learner Interest And Motivation

Abstract

The Malaysian education system, because of its strong orientation towards national based assessment, has generally produced students who are unable to operate autonomously. The culture and tradition of Malaysians too has not encouraged independence and autonomy among students. When these students enter the university, they expect the spoon-feeding they have been used to, to take place. However, courses at the university require students to be more proactive, and to rely less on their instructors. The introduction of e- learning in many universities significantly contrasts with the traditional type of teaching students are so used to, hence exposing areas of limitation in students ability to participate and produce within the learning context. This paper views e-learning, and the enormous opportunities it presents as a boon to higher education, especially in the development of the learners’ creative and critical abilities. The paper presents a basic profile of Malaysian literature undergraduates as a background to discussion of problems and challenges of teaching literature to Malaysian students. It also describes some online autonomous learning strategies developed as part of a national research project, used in the teaching of literature and the results related to developing student “stickablity” to the courseware and its activities.