Fostering Autonomous Learning in a University Context: Self-Study Activities and the Language Tutor’s Role in Language Centres

This paper focuses on the issue of learner’s autonomy within the language learning process in a university context. Based on the experience of the Unical Language Centre, the paper outlines the evolution of the didactic organization of the Centre and the guidelines adopted to increase the effectiveness of self-study activities. Some aspects of the meta-cognitive sphere will be analysed, as well as the organization of the didactic resources available on the website. Special focus will be given to the learning environment itself and its influence on the learning process. Finally, some attention will be devoted to the human resources involved in the process, in particular the language tutors.