Giving more autonomy to computer engineering students: Are we ready?

In higher education, and particularly in the computer engineering disciplines, enhancing the learner´s autonomy has become essential to meet the needs of the industry. This article reports the results of a research study that was conducted at the Universidad Nacional of Costa Rica with the aim to produce a curriculum shift from teacher-centered approaches towards student-centered approaches. The paper explores the readiness and willingness of students to have a level of control on their learning and the readiness of teachers to share control with them. Results about student participation in setting learning activities, in collaborative learning, and in self- and peer-assessment are discussed as fundamental aspects of learners´ autonomy. The results highlight the importance of guiding students and faculty in the transition to an educational model that promotes the autonomy of students.