INDEPENDENT LEARNING AS A KEY FACTOR IN DEVELOPING STUDENTS' LANGUAGE COMPETENCE

This article is about independent learning that become a fundamental component of modern language education, particularly in higher education contexts where students are expected to demonstrate autonomy and responsibility for their learning outcomes. This study explores the role of independent learning in developing students’ language competence, including linguistic, communicative, and strategic abilities. The research examines theoretical perspectives on learner autonomy, identifies effective independent learning strategies, and evaluates their impact on students’ motivation and language proficiency. A mixed-method research design involving surveys, classroom observations, and proficiency assessments was employed. The findings indicate that independent learning significantly enhances vocabulary acquisition, communicative confidence, and overall language competence. Moreover, digital tools and structured guidance were found to strengthen the effectiveness of independent study. The study concludes that integrating independent learning into language instruction promotes lifelong learning skills and improves academic performance.