This research explores the intersection of the studies of Language Awareness and
the emergence of autonomous behaviors influenced by motivational factors in learners of English as a Foreign Language. Considering the relevance of explicit instruction of complex input and of Language Awareness, I observed that by using these principles,
the teacher will foster the emergence of behaviors that lead learners to improve the control over their own learning. This way, the current study aims at verifying the correlation between language awareness, autonomy and motivation as an underpinning aspect. The theoretical basis of this study lies essentially on the contributions of: David Little (2010), Flavell (1976), Gillan Donmall (1991), Hawkings (2001), Peter Garret;
Carl James (1991), Phil Benson (2001), Rutherford (1987), Van Lier (1991). Along with the bibliographical investigation, an action research has been carried out in order to understand the process of input comprehension by the adult learner, formulate
hypothesis, and respect the enhanced classroom dynamic context for the final purpose of promoting improved learning. The observation and data collection took place at a sixth level English language classroom from the Foreign Language Courses at Federal
University of Pará. The data from interviews, questionnaires, observations and Focus on
Form activities have demonstrated that when a complex linguistic input was presented,
both oral and written productions were hindered and there was less participation in
conversational activities. I have also observed that the Focus on Form activities,
explicitness, and reflections carried out by the employment of metalanguage have taken
students closer to the solution of their problems and motivated them to search for
different learning alternatives. The data have been crossed for analysis of the
implications of Language Awareness on autonomous behaviors and motivation allowing
reflections and meaningful insights for the solution of problems emerged in the
unpredictable classroom context.
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