This paper aims to define the concept of autonomous learning and explore the purpose and significance of medical students' autonomous learning by combing the literature review at home and abroad in this field. Through analyzing the research progress and research methods of autonomous learning

this paper attempts to raise problems and provide countermeasures accordingly. In the current research of autonomous learning

researchers' perception of this study is insufficient. The scope of the current research is too limited and the research fields need to be further widened. In addition

the classification of disciplines in this subject is unbalanced and the coverage also needs to be further expanded. There are many theoreti-cal studies but few empirical studies so far

and thus empirical research should be strengthened.