Issues concerning the Relationship between School Autonomy and Learner Autonomy(Reconsidering the Autonomy of Educational Manegement)

Abstract

In this paper, we try to explain the importance of school autonomy as the conditions of education for learner autonomy. We examine two research questions as the scaffolds. 1) How can we explain the relationship between teacher autonomy and school autonomy? 2) Can we explain teacher autonomy as the conditions for education of learner autonomy? 1) By examination of the theories on school management in Japan, we can say that the establishment of school autonomy is based on teacher autonomy. So teacher autonomy should be empowered and autonomy and collaboration of teachers are the key factor for school autonomy. But also in Japanese research context, theories of school autonomy don't discuss enough the contents of education for learner autonomy. 2) According to the education theories on the learning of children and teachers, we can point out "similarity" of learning between children and teachers. Also we can say that teachers' learning is the condition of learner autonomy as the archetype. In this sense, teacher autonomy is necessary conditions for learner autonomy. But at the same time, for the education of learner autonomy, teacher's role is also fostering learner autonomy by heteronomy. Finally we discuss the necessity of the integrated theory of learner autonomy and school autonomy which seems to be examined separately today.