Autonomy in language learning and teaching: new research agendas

Author(s):  
Xianghu Liu ◽  
Chang Liu
2019 ◽  
pp. 401-405
Author(s):  
Gamze A. Sayram

This edited collection of research studies makes an important theoretical and practical contribution to the literature by illustrating the expanding dimensions of autonomous language learning and teaching, deepening our conceptualization of the pedagogical norms and approaches, proposing new research scopes, contexts and settings for future research.


2007 ◽  
Vol 40 (1) ◽  
pp. i-i ◽  

Phil Benson's state-of-the-art review of autonomy in L2 learning and teaching is a timely response to an ever-growing interest in autonomous language learning. Focusing his attention on the recent literature, he explores how this interest in autonomy is influencing theory and practice, leading to the emergence of new research agendas in the field. He focuses particularly on the ways in which conceptions of autonomy have evolved and continue to change, and how these new conceptions fit in with broader developments in language teaching and learning theory, educational practice, and social thought.This issue includes also a call for papers on Replication Research Studies, two features marking the publication of this fortieth volume of the journal, and reports on a series of research seminars.Richard Johnstone's article in which he reviews research published in 2004 and 2005 on language teaching, learning and policy is available online at <http://journals.cambridge.org/jidLTA&volumeId=39&issueId=04>.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fakieh Alrabai

This paper provides a broad critical review of the research that examined the emotional factors such as learners’ attitudes, motivation, language anxiety, autonomy, and self-esteem in the context of learning English as a foreign language (EFL) in Saudi Arabia over a period of 20 years (2000-2020). The aim of this critical review is to answer some questions relating to identifying the most common themes of research efforts in this area, the strengths, and weaknesses among it; and to explain how such efforts have contributed to the development of English language learning/teaching within the Saudi context. The study is significant in that the findings identified some issues with thematic orientation in Saudi EFL emotion research—particularly regarding under- and over-explored topics due to an element of randomness in how research topics related to EFL emotions are often selected and explored, with some topic areas receiving excessive attention and others receiving little or no attention. Some issues related to research design and methodology were also acknowledged and assessed. The study suggests that it is useful to develop ways to coordinate and streamline future research on EFL emotions in Saudi Arabia and to work towards developing new research protocols that investigate the practicalities of language learning emotions in real learning situations.


2017 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 255-278 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luna Filipović

Abstract In this paper we introduce and outline a new research area, Applied Language Typology (ALT). ALT builds on fundamental typological findings in morphology, syntax and semantics. ALT examines the attested and potential practical consequences of these contrasts for different professional contexts of communication, such as translation, the law and second language learning and teaching. We propose three general organising principles that underlie ALT, illustrating how these principles enable us to identify exact points of language contrasts that result in significant practical difficulty, and we suggest future directions in ALT research for the benefit of academics and language practitioners.


ReCALL ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 30 (2) ◽  
pp. 161-176 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peggy Hartwick

AbstractThis article investigates research approaches used in traditional classroom-based interaction studies for identifying a suitable research method for studies in three-dimensional virtual learning environments (3DVLEs). As opportunities for language learning and teaching in virtual worlds emerge, so too do new research questions. An understanding of research design benefits and limitations is timely for those exploring how interaction occurs between users, and users and the virtual space, and how these interactions make sense within a broader theoretical framework. As a first step, the article describes the types of interaction that are significant to classroom-based research studies, such as learner–learner. This is followed by a historical overview of research approaches and methods used in interaction studies, from early quantitative, to descriptive and qualitative, to mixed-method approaches. Following this overview, the author critically surveys research approaches, methods, analytical tools, and data collection techniques used in physical and virtual second language classroom interaction studies. The article concludes by highlighting the implications and research considerations for the design of new research studies in 3DVLEs.


2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (6) ◽  
pp. 107 ◽  
Author(s):  
Salasiah Ammade ◽  
Murni Mahmud ◽  
Baso Jabu ◽  
Suradi Tahmir

The integration of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in English language educational settings often improves teaching and learning (Tinio, 2016). English language teaching and technology have been seen as interesting new research era. This article reviewed studies on ICT integration in teaching from ten different countries. The aim of this review is to analyze cross cultural findings in order to determine what factors might be best applied to the Indonesia situation to improve English language learning and teaching as well as types of technology might be best adopted for ELT improvement. The articles for the study were found through internet search engine, Google scholar and ERIC in the area of technology integration and technology tools in English language teaching. Thus, the data taken is carefully investigated using inclusion and exclusion criteria.  The result of analysis showed that the integration of technology in teaching can improve the experience for students and teachers and improve learning for students.


2017 ◽  
Vol 50 (4) ◽  
pp. 561-578 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hayo Reinders ◽  
Phil Benson

Most language learning research is carried out either in classrooms or among classroom learners. As Richards (2015) points out, however, there are two dimensions to successful learning: what happens inside classrooms and what happens outside them. Rapid development of online media, communications technologies and opportunities for travel has also expanded the world beyond the classroom for language learners. Language learning and teachingbeyondthe classroom (LBC) is, thus, emerging as a field ripe for the development of new research agendas (Benson & Reinders 2011; Nunan & Richards 2015). We propose potentially fruitful avenues for research here under the headings of settings for learning, learning processes and teaching.


2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 31-49
Author(s):  
Fakieh Alrabai

This paper provides a broad critical review of the research that examined the emotional factors such as learners’ attitudes, motivation, language anxiety, autonomy, and self-esteem in the context of learning English as a foreign language (EFL) in Saudi Arabia over a period of 20 years (2000-2020). The aim of this critical review is to answer some questions relating to identifying the most common themes of research efforts in this area, the strengths, and weaknesses among it; and to explain how such efforts have contributed to the development of English language learning/teaching within the Saudi context. The study is significant in that the findings identified some issues with thematic orientation in Saudi EFL emotion research—particularly regarding under- and over-explored topics due to an element of randomness in how research topics related to EFL emotions are often selected and explored, with some topic areas receiving excessive attention and others receiving little or no attention. Some issues related to research design and methodology were also acknowledged and assessed. The study suggests that it is useful to develop ways to coordinate and streamline future research on EFL emotions in Saudi Arabia and to work towards developing new research protocols that investigate the practicalities of language learning emotions in real learning situations.


2018 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ramia DIRAR SHEHADEH MUSMAR

Integrating scaffolding-learning technologies has been recognized for its potential to create intellectual and engaging classroom interactions. In the United Arab Emirates, having language teachers employ computers as a medium of new pedagogical instrument for teaching second languages generated the idea of Computer-Assisted Language Learning (CALL) as a medium of an innovative pedagogical instrument for facilitating and scaffolding language learning, with an aspiration that it will lead to improved English language attainment and better assessment results. This study aims at investigating the perspectives of students and teachers on the advantageous and disadvantageous impacts of CALL on learning and teaching English as a second language in one public school in the emirate of Abu Dhabi. The results show that CALL has a facilitating role in L2 classroom and that using CALL activities is advantageous in reducing English learning tension, boosting motivation, catering for student diversity, promoting self-directed language learning and scaffolding while learning English. The results additionally report that numerous aspects like time constraints, teachers’ unsatisfactory computer skills, insufficient computer facilities, and inflexible school courses undesirably affect the implementation of CALL in English classrooms. It is recommended that further studies should be undertaken to investigate the actual effect of CALL on students’ language proficiency. 


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