USING ALEXANDER NEEL'S IDEAS IN DEVELOPING STUDENTS' INDEPENDENT EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITY IN ENGLISH PHILOLOGY EDUCATION
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47390/ydif-y2026v2i15/n18Keywords:
Alexander Neil, Summerhill, English philology, independent learning, learner autonomy, self-regulated learning, intrinsic motivation, reflection, self-assessment, individual learning trajectory, democratic learning.Abstract
The article analyzes the issue of developing independent educational activities of English philology students based on Alexander Sutherland Neel's ideas of free and democratic education. The principles of freedom of choice, intrinsic motivation, personal responsibility and democratic participation in Neel's Summerhill experience are not directly transferred to higher education, but are integrated with the theories of learner autonomy, self-regulated learning and self-determination. In the context of English philology, structured choice, individual learning contract, reflexive journal, portfolio, self-assessment, peer-assessment and student-led seminars are used to develop the student's goal-setting, planning, resource selection, monitoring and reflection competencies. The study shows that adapting Neil's ideas based on the "freedom + academic responsibility" model strengthens the student's learning subjectivity and ability for continuous professional self-development.
References
1. Neill A. S. Summerhill: A Radical Approach to Child Rearing. – New York: Hart Publishing Company, 1960. – 392 p.
2. Neill A. S. Summerhill School: A New View of Childhood / ed. by A. Lamb. – New York: St. Martin’s Griffin, 1995. – 304 p.
3. Darling J. A. S. Neill on Democratic Authority: A Lesson from Summerhill? // Oxford Review of Education. – 1992. – Vol. 18, No. 1. – P. 45–57. – DOI: 10.1080/0305498920180104.
4. Holec H. Autonomy and Foreign Language Learning. – Oxford: Pergamon Press, 1981. – 53 p.
5. Little D. Learner Autonomy 1: Definitions, Issues and Problems. – Dublin: Authentik, 1991. – 62 p.
6. Dam L. Learner Autonomy 3: From Theory to Classroom Practice. – Dublin: Authentik, 1995. – 84 p.
7. Benson P. Teaching and Researching: Autonomy in Language Learning. – 2nd ed. – London; New York: Routledge, 2011. – 296 p. – DOI: 10.4324/9781315833767.
8. Littlewood W. “Autonomy”: An Anatomy and a Framework // System. – 1996. – Vol. 24, No. 4. – P. 427–435. – DOI: 10.1016/S0346-251X(96)00039-5.
9. Ryan R. M., Deci E. L. Self-Determination Theory and the Facilitation of Intrinsic Motivation, Social Development, and Well-Being // American Psychologist. – 2000. – Vol. 55, No. 1. – P. 68–78. – DOI: 10.1037/0003-066X.55.1.68.
10. Zimmerman B. J. Becoming a Self-Regulated Learner: An Overview // Theory Into Practice. – 2002. – Vol. 41, No. 2. – P. 64–70. – DOI: 10.1207/s15430421tip4102_2.

This work is licensed under a