scholarly journals The Pedagogy of Learner Autonomy: Lessons from the Classroom

2017 ◽  
pp. 102-115 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sara Cotterall
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Learner Autonomy ◽  
Learning Opportunities ◽  
Learner Engagement ◽  
Written Narratives ◽  
Japanese University ◽  
Classroom Activities ◽  
Learning Contexts ◽  
The Relationship

Learner autonomy in language learning has been the focus of enthusiastic investigation for the last 25 years. Research has focused on three key areas: the nature of autonomy, efforts to foster learner autonomy and the relationship between learner autonomy and effective language learning (Benson, 2011). This article focuses on the second area – the pedagogy of learner autonomy – and reports on insights gained from a career spent exploring learners’ efforts to learn a language. The paper is organized around a pedagogical model (Cotterall & Murray, 2009; Murray, 2013) which aims to enhance learner engagement and autonomy. The model consists of five affordances – engagement, exploration, personalization, reflection and support – which emerged from analysing the interviews and written narratives of Japanese university students engaged in independent language learning. The paper first discusses each of the five affordances and the way they contribute to the quality of language learning opportunities (Crabbe, 2003) in a given environment. Next, the affordances are illustrated in relation to five different learning contexts in an attempt to highlight the diverse ways in which learner autonomy can be promoted. Rather than prescribe particular classroom activities, the model identifies principles which can guide pedagogical decision-making. The paper concludes by considering the model’s potential as a set of guidelines for teachers who wish to promote learner autonomy.

Technology and Learner Autonomy: An Argument in Favor of the Nexus of Formal and Informal Language Learning

2019 ◽  
Vol 39 ◽  
pp. 52-58 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chun Lai
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Informal Learning ◽  
Learning Experience ◽  
Learner Autonomy ◽  
Self Directed Learning ◽  
Learning Contexts ◽  
Directed Learning ◽  
Technology Aids ◽  
Constructed Self ◽  
The Relationship

AbstractThis article discusses some of the current research on technology in relation to learner autonomy, outlining major findings on the relationship between technology and learner autonomy in formal and informal learning contexts. Extant literature has discussed both teacher-initiated technology-enhanced formal learning environments and learner-constructed self-directed learning experience in informal learning contexts. Although valuable in the insights it provides into how technology aids learner autonomy, the two bodies of literature have largely been independent from each other, which may constrain our understanding.

scholarly journals Learner Autonomy and EFL Learning at the Tertiary Level in Vietnam

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Thi Cam Le Nguyen
Keyword(s):  
Academic Achievement ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Language Proficiency ◽  
Self Regulation ◽  
Learner Autonomy ◽  
High Achievers ◽  
Second Phase ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Three Phases

<p>There has been a growing interest in the role of learner autonomy (LA) in language teaching and learning. Over the last twenty years, researchers have extensively explored LA in a range of settings and have developed various approaches to fostering it both as a means to language learning and as an end in itself. This study attempts to investigate LA in the Vietnamese EFL context, and to explore the relationship between LA and language learning results. In this study, LA was conceptualised and operationally defined as learner self-initiation and learner self-regulation. The research was composed of three phases. The pilot study looked at the range of activities, and the amount of time devoted to learning English by 388 Vietnamese English majors of different levels of academic achievement. It identified differences in LA among students of different year levels as well as LA at two types of tertiary institutions in Vietnam. In the first phase, an exploratory correlational study was conducted among 177 students to comprehend features of LA as demonstrated by these students, their preferred self-initiated activities both inside and outside the classroom, and the relationship between each aspect of LA and language proficiency. In the second phase, an intervention study was conducted with the participation of 37 students in an experimental group, and 54 students in two control groups. Phase two explored the efficacy of a learner-based approach to promoting LA with a focus on strategy-based instruction. The three phases revealed several important findings. The pilot study discovered that the level of autonomy was related to students' level of academic achievement but not to their year level. In addition, autonomy seemed to be affected by the social setting in which it was exercised. In Phase one, the findings revealed that Vietnamese learners' self-initiation efforts mainly concentrated on covert learning in class. Outside the classroom, these learners preferred to undertake receptive rather than productive activities, and tended to avoid social interaction. Moreover, most aspects of LA positively and significantly correlated with EFL proficiency measures. Lastly, the task-specific training of self-regulation in Phase two resulted not only in significantly improved writing scores but also in greater LA. However, these metacognitive skills in writing did not seem to transfer to other areas of language learning, although improvements in writing were maintained in a delayed test. Overall, the study suggests that LA appears to be linked positively to language proficiency. High achievers are more likely to be autonomous learners. Most importantly, training learners in metacognitive regulation improved learners' writing ability and their autonomy in learning.</p>

scholarly journals EVOLUÇÃO DO USO DO COMPUTADOR NO ENSINO DE LÍNGUAS

2003 ◽  
Vol 59 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francisca Helga Savir Moreira
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Language Teaching ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Computer Assisted Language Learning ◽  
Instructional Resource ◽  
Learning Contexts ◽  
The Relationship

Uma série de teorias de ensino e aprendizagem vêm sucessivamente delineando e informando o ensino de segunda língua e língua estrangeira, refletindo diferentes concepções sobre o que significa aprender e propondo respostas às necessidades de diferentes contextos de aprendizagem. Ao longo dos últimos anos, o computador vem sendo incorporado a esse cenário, firmando-se enquanto instrumento pedagógico potencialmente facilitador do aprendizado. O presente trabalho visa explorar o entrelaçamento entre as teorias acima citadas e o assim chamado ensino de línguas assistido por computador (área conhecida internacionalmente como CALL – Computer-Assisted Language Learning). A fim de demarcarmos mais claramente a relação entre teorias de ensino de línguas, métodos e abordagens de ensino e o uso do computador enquanto recurso didático, usaremos a divisão do desenvolvimento da CALL em três fases, segundo Warschauer (1996): behaviorista, comunicativa e integrativa. Abstract A series of theories has successively been delineating and informing the teaching of second and foreign language, reflecting different conceptions on what it means to learn and proposing answers to the needs of different learning contexts. Over the last few years, the computer has been incorporated into this scenario, being established as a pedagogic instrument that can potentially facilitate learning. This paper intends to explore the weaving between the theories aforementioned and the so-called Computer-Assisted Language Learning (CALL). In order to outline more clearly the relationship among language teaching theories, methods and approaches and the use of the computer as an instructional resource, we will use the division of CALL’s development as proposed by Warschauer (1996): behaviorist, communicative and integrative.

Language Education and Language Ideologies in Australian Print Media

2018 ◽  
Vol 41 (2) ◽  
pp. 215-233 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shannon Mason ◽  
John Hajek
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Language Education ◽  
Learning Opportunities ◽  
Economic Resource ◽  
The Press ◽  
The Media ◽  
English Speaking ◽  
Development Of Language

Abstract Across most predominantly English-speaking countries, classroom-based language education plays an important role in the internationalization of young citizens. However, the quality of language learning opportunities in many countries is less than ideal. The development of language education policy is influenced in part by broader societal perceptions of language, and these perceptions are often reflected and shaped by the media. The case of Australia is an interesting one for focus, because media and policy attention to the discipline is high, and yet to date there has been no comprehensive analysis of its representation. To fill this gap, the authors subject 261 news articles from Australian newspapers between 2007 and 2016 to mixed-methods content analysis, guided by Ruiz’s three orientations to language. The results show that language is positioned as a problem, and as an economic resource, but not as a social resource, nor as a right of everyday citizens. The ideological positioning of language in the press has implications for the perceptions of the role of language education, and for student uptake.

scholarly journals Does Autonomy Really Matter in Language Learning?

2019 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 98-111
Author(s):  
Gülnihal Şakrak-Ekin ◽  
Cem Balçıkanlı
Keyword(s):  
Academic Success ◽  
Foreign Language ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Language Learners ◽  
English Education ◽  
Learner Autonomy ◽  
Personal Factors ◽  
Efl Learners ◽  
Personal Variables ◽  
The Relationship

The main aim of this study was to unravel the possible relationship between individuals’ level of autonomy as EFL learners and academic success in terms of language learning at the tertiary level. Additionally, this quantitative study focused on exploring EFL learners’ level of autonomy and also the relationship between learner autonomy and some personal factors, including gender, age, English level, and the length of English education. In order to assess the participants’ levels of autonomy, a questionnaire consisting of 66 items was administered to 267 university students, who were Turkish-speakers of English as a foreign language. The findings showed that more than half of the learners (65.2%) had a high autonomy level with a mean autonomy score of 461.37 out of 660. As for the personal variables, only gender was found to be a significant factor in regards to learners’ autonomy, in this case, in favour of females. Correlation analysis revealed a positive correlation between learner autonomy level and the academic success of language learners. In other words, the academic success of language learners increased with their autonomy and vice versa. In accordance with the literature, the present study revealed that learner autonomy could be considered one of the factors that affects the success of language learners. Based on the findings, it might be suggested that learner autonomy and possible ways to promote it in and out of class should be given more importance. Further empirical research was suggested in order to comprehend unexplored aspects of learner autonomy in language learning.

scholarly journals The Need for Establishing an English Self-Access Center at Osaka University: Practical Suggestions and Overall Guidelines

2017 ◽  
pp. 365-378
Author(s):  
Parisa Mehran ◽  
Mehrasa Alizadeh ◽  
Ichiro Koguchi ◽  
Haruo Takemura
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
English Language ◽  
Learner Autonomy ◽  
Learning Opportunities ◽  
English Language Teaching ◽  
Learning Center ◽  
Efl Learners ◽  
Guided Learning ◽  
The Status ◽  
Language Needs

As part of a PhD project, an in-depth needs analysis was carried out to assess the English language needs and difficulties of undergraduate Japanese EFL learners at Osaka University. The results were primarily intended to guide the design and development of an online English for General Academic Purposes (EGAP) course. The findings further revealed a pressing need for launching and maintaining self-access language learning facilities which could provide learners with independent and semi-guided learning opportunities addressing their needs and interests. In this paper, the importance of establishing a self-access language learning center at Osaka University will be proposed with the goal of fostering learner autonomy. In fulfilling this objective, practical suggestions and overall guidelines will be outlined based on a number of language learning center observations in Japan. It is hoped that this writing will serve as a stimulus to strengthen the status of English language teaching at Osaka University.

scholarly journals Language Beliefs among Adult Learners: Individual Differences

2017 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 20
Author(s):  
Aiza Johari
Keyword(s):  
Adult Learners ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Language Learners ◽  
Learning Process ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
English Language ◽  
Learning Opportunities ◽  
Learning Beliefs ◽  
Language Learning Beliefs

To develop the quality of language learning and utilise learning opportunities in and out of a classroom, it is vital to understand individual's beliefs in language learning. White (2008) affirmed that an individual’s belief plays a key role in the learning process and language acquisition, especially the beliefs the learners have about themselves, language and language learning, and about the settings in which they contribute as language learners and users. This study identifies the English language learning beliefs of adult learners (between 45-50 years of age) in a local university in Sarawak. Questionnaire was the instrument  to collect the data and the data were analysed using SPSS Version 21. The study showed that these adult learners have various levels of language beliefs. The results obtained can be used to enhance the teaching and learning of English language where language instructors can learn more about their learners and the learners’ language beliefs can further enhance learning process in the classroom.

scholarly journals Learner Autonomy: Concept and Considerations

1970 ◽  
Vol 15 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 114-120 ◽  
Author(s):  
Madhu Neupane
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Formal Language ◽  
Chinese Culture ◽  
Learner Autonomy ◽  
General Concept ◽  
The Body ◽  
Teacher Autonomy ◽  
Body Of Knowledge ◽  
Learning Contexts ◽  
Formal Language Learning

"Give me a fish and I eat for a day. Teach me to fish and I eat for a lifetime." This proverb taken from Chinese culture is associated with learner autonomy. Once learning used to be the matter of receiving the body of knowledge which could then be used for the rest of life. But such view has been nonsense in this fast-paced world. Therefore, the learners should be provided with the skills necessary for the lifelong pursuit for knowledge. This article begins with the general concept of autonomy and goes on to consider different aspects of autonomy. It insists that learner autonomy does work in any culture provided that the teacher also has autonomy to some extent and curriculum is designed accordingly. While it highlights that total autonomy is neither feasible nor desirable in formal language learning contexts, it argues that learner autonomy is necessary for making someone lifelong learner.Key words: Learner autonomy; Teacher autonomy; Curriculum; Culture; ActivitiesJournal of NELTAVol. 15 No. 1-2 December 2010Page: 114-120Uploaded date: 4 May, 2011DOI: 10.3126/nelta.v15i1-2.4617

scholarly journals Learner Autonomy and EFL Learning at the Tertiary Level in Vietnam

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Thi Cam Le Nguyen
Keyword(s):  
Academic Achievement ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Language Proficiency ◽  
Self Regulation ◽  
Learner Autonomy ◽  
High Achievers ◽  
Second Phase ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Three Phases

<p>There has been a growing interest in the role of learner autonomy (LA) in language teaching and learning. Over the last twenty years, researchers have extensively explored LA in a range of settings and have developed various approaches to fostering it both as a means to language learning and as an end in itself. This study attempts to investigate LA in the Vietnamese EFL context, and to explore the relationship between LA and language learning results. In this study, LA was conceptualised and operationally defined as learner self-initiation and learner self-regulation. The research was composed of three phases. The pilot study looked at the range of activities, and the amount of time devoted to learning English by 388 Vietnamese English majors of different levels of academic achievement. It identified differences in LA among students of different year levels as well as LA at two types of tertiary institutions in Vietnam. In the first phase, an exploratory correlational study was conducted among 177 students to comprehend features of LA as demonstrated by these students, their preferred self-initiated activities both inside and outside the classroom, and the relationship between each aspect of LA and language proficiency. In the second phase, an intervention study was conducted with the participation of 37 students in an experimental group, and 54 students in two control groups. Phase two explored the efficacy of a learner-based approach to promoting LA with a focus on strategy-based instruction. The three phases revealed several important findings. The pilot study discovered that the level of autonomy was related to students' level of academic achievement but not to their year level. In addition, autonomy seemed to be affected by the social setting in which it was exercised. In Phase one, the findings revealed that Vietnamese learners' self-initiation efforts mainly concentrated on covert learning in class. Outside the classroom, these learners preferred to undertake receptive rather than productive activities, and tended to avoid social interaction. Moreover, most aspects of LA positively and significantly correlated with EFL proficiency measures. Lastly, the task-specific training of self-regulation in Phase two resulted not only in significantly improved writing scores but also in greater LA. However, these metacognitive skills in writing did not seem to transfer to other areas of language learning, although improvements in writing were maintained in a delayed test. Overall, the study suggests that LA appears to be linked positively to language proficiency. High achievers are more likely to be autonomous learners. Most importantly, training learners in metacognitive regulation improved learners' writing ability and their autonomy in learning.</p>

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