This action research was undertaken at a university language center in Ambato, Ecuador, as a result of concerns over the high level of teacher dependence among learners of English as a Second Language (EFL). The project aimed at assessing the development of autonomous learning behavior and the motivational impact of student collaboration on encouraging a change in student behavior toward autonomy. The participating students were 154 EFL students of lower advanced levels who engaged in a 5-week intervention addressed at encouraging autonomous listening comprehension practice through videos. Participants used the Moodle® platform to share videos with peers of the same level, who were also able to post comments on the content of the videos. Quantitative and qualitative parameters were used to assess the achievement of two objectives: the extent of the development of autonomous behavior; and the extent of the motivational impact of student collaboration on encouraging autonomous behavior. Analysis of participation showed development of student autonomy when measured against three of the four parameters used. Analysis of feedback showed the platform-based collaborative learning strategy had a significant impact on student motivation and engagement during the intervention. Feedback included the recommendation to extend and improve the intervention, while complementing it with a medium to allow greater interaction in real time.

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This review and discussion focused on surveys and reports regarding the rate of foreign language acquisition and attainment within national compulsory education systems, academic analyses of the results obtained, and national programmes and initiatives designed to address the shortcomings revealed in them.  The proposed reasons for lower-than-expected acquisition and attainment in foreign language learning within countries including the European Union, Colombia, Vietnam and Ecuador were reviewed in detail. These reasons, and the measures undertaken as a result to remedy these flaws, were evaluated through a comparison with recent academic research relating to these factors, and through com- parison between the different experiences revealed in the surveys and reports.  These comparisons found that some of the measures undertaken were fit for purpose and were likely to yield some improvements in acquisition rate, although to a lesser extent than those projected by some of the national programmes, while identifying some aspects which have been overlooked. The conclusion highlighted in which aspects of the teaching and learning of foreign languages requires greater focus is needed in order to effect the desired changes.

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