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.