scholarly journals On Fostering Learner Autonomy in Learning English

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. 1414
Author(s):  
Rongmei Yu

With the teaching of English being more and more communicative, the tradition teacher-centered approach is facing a big challenge and is being replaced by the learner-centered one. It means that learners will assume greater responsibility for their own English learning. Therefore, fostering learner autonomy is of the utmost importance in the teaching of English. Over the last ten years, fostering learner autonomy has become the chief concern in the field of English language teaching. As a result, many records have been obtained in different studies of learner autonomy. This paper aims at an exploration of fostering learner autonomy in the teaching of English and learners' attitudes, motivation and strategies. Because, serve as three important conditions for learner autonomy in the teaching of English. These conditions will largely influence the learning of learner autonomy. On the basis of the above exploration learner training for fostering learner autonomy, must entail two aspects. Firstly, setting up self-access centers can provide learners with an autonomy-supportive learning environment, which will contribute to enhancing learners' motivation and can strengthen their confidence in their English learning. Secondly, teachers themselves should reconsider their roles in fostering learner autonomy. They should act as facilitators, counselors and resource rather than classroom controllers. In this way, learners can feel more willing to accept responsibility for their own learning and strengthen their ability to do so.

2016 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ida Royani ◽  
T. Silvana Sinar

This study investigated the English students’ attitudes of IAIN Padangsidimpuan towards both English language teaching in terms of (a) language-centered, (b) learner-centered, and (c) learning-centered method; and learning English in terms of scales (a) attitudes toward long-term English learning, (b) interest in culture and communication, (c) perception about studying in school context, (d) images associated with English, (e) English learning activities, (f) exposure to English outside school, (g) self-rated four English skills, (h) self-reported academic English grade, and (i) identification of English role models. The data were obtained by questionnaire and interview from 10 selected students in which 4 male and 6 female students in 7th semester and were analyzed by steps provided by Gay, L.R and Airasian (1996). The result showed:  first, English students’ attitudes towards English language teaching had been found highly onlearning-centered method, followed by learner-centered method in second range, and almost negative view in language-centered method.Second, English students’ attitudes towards English language learningwere positivein scales; long-term English learning, interest in communication, and images associated with English.  Third, role of students’ gender on English language learning were not found. Reasons for this statement are (i) status of English as international language and (ii) equalization of getting education for male and female. Keywords: attitude, language teaching, language learning, and gender


2019 ◽  
Vol 1 ◽  
pp. 53-61
Author(s):  
Jagadish Paudel

Einstein says “I never teach my students. I simply provide the situations in which they can learn”. In line with this saying the learner autonomy (LA) approach provides learners with situations where they can learn independently in their own pace. This learner centered approach to teaching, emerged during the 1980s, aims at empowering learners by transforming responsibilities to them. This study aimed at exploring the practice level scenario of LA in English language teaching and learning. To this end, I employed the qualitative research design i.e. I observed teachers’ classes and conducted Focus Group Discussion (FGD) with the students. The information elicited from participants was transcribed, codified, categorized and finally themes were generated. The study revealed that, though the teachers and the students were affirmative towards LA, in a real sense, the majority of them did not adopt in English language teaching and learning. The classroom ritual is still teacher oriented. On the one hand, the teachers are still in the cockpit of pedagogy without providing any agency for the students. On the other hand, students' readiness for bearing responsibility of their learning was found weak. They preferred attachment to teachers without taking charge of learning.


1970 ◽  
Vol 15 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bal Ram Adhikari

Fluency-first approaches such as Communicative Language Teaching and Task-based Language Teaching aim at the development of communicative competence in students by engaging them in meaningful interaction. Ability to speak accurate, appropriate and effective English is vital for meaningful interaction that ensures students' communicative competence in English. Unfortunately, in the Nepalese context, especially in government-aided schools and constituent colleges of Tribhuvan University (TU), speaking skill lies on the periphery of English Language Teaching (ELT) owing to several factors. This article attempts to explore those factors that have been a hindrance in developing speaking skill in Nepalese students in general and the students from the above-mentioned institutions in particular. This article draws on the author's experience as a supervisor of student teachers from B.Ed. and M.Ed. programmes and his teaching experience at a constituent campus of TU. Moreover, the article presents some suggestions that can help English teachers to overcome the hindrances.Key words: Speaking skill; Interaction; Teacher-fronted teaching; Learner-centered activitiesJournal of NELTA Vol. 15 No. 1-2 December 2010Page: 1-9Uploaded date: 3 May, 2011DOI: 10.3126/nelta.v15i1-2.4602


2011 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 51
Author(s):  
Hakan USAKLI

Language teaching, particularly English language teaching was discussed in this study. That is why it is integral to the globalization. The study demonstrates that problems addressed from the aspects of administration, educational program and psychology can indeed be generalized to all. This study is conducted according to qualitative research methods. 60 English teachers explained their ideas on qualifications and teaching standards. As a conclusion, it was emphasized that English learning is a life style rather than simply being a preparation for passing examination. It is recommended for researchers to study on possible problems of multicultural education and their way of solutions.


2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arab World English Journal ◽  
Praveen Alluri

Enhancing English Language Teaching (ELT) through films in General Foundation Programs (GFPs), Oman is a practical research paper which aims at exploiting of technologies in ELT in order to develop linguistic competence and learner autonomy of students in the GFP. Research in communicative approach to language has shown that competence in oral and written language grows as the learners actively use the language in and out of the classroom. The aim of this paper is to engage learners in activities that demand their autonomous participation and develop linguistic competence and learner autonomy. The vital question every teacher has to ponder upon is “Can we expect what was taught in the previous class is retained in the next class?” The present study focuses on how films can aid in enhancing ELT in the GFP in Oman. The research data collected will be empirical and qualitative in nature. GFP students will be the main subjects of this research. The research will be carried out on different levels and groups in the GFP. The activities based on films expose the learners to authentic language input, help them learn how language operates and challenge them to use the language independently. The rich visual imagery, the action and motions of the films deliver the learners with multi-sensory involvement (Arcario, 1993). Infusing technology into Education serves a variety of purposes in language teaching. The observation of cultural aspects such as traditions helps to understand the function of the language. By this pragmatic approach an innovative teacher can aid students’ critical thinking skills as well as their linguistic competence. Hence it is suggested that a judicious selection of digital materials along with several learner-friendly tasks can be incorporated in syllabus of ELT.


2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rosukhon Swatevacharkul ◽  
Nida Boonma

The objective of this study was to assess learner autonomy of English Language Teaching students in terms of technical, psychological, political-philosophical, and sociocultural dimensions. The 19 participants were in their first semester of MA ELT, which is an international program in an international university in Thailand.  Among them, there were 15 Chinese, three Burmese, and one Thai. This study employed the explanatory mixed-methods design. First, Measuring Instrument for Language Learner Autonomy (MILLA) questionnaire (Murase, 2015) was used to collect quantitative data (QUAN). Then, a semi-structured interview with five participants was carried out to gather follow-up qualitative data (QUAL). The findings revealed that, on average, the students demonstrated a high level of autonomy in all four dimensions. The thematic content analysis generated four themes concerning each autonomy dimension: 1) the use of metacognitive strategies through professional goal setting 2) the intrinsic and extrinsic motivation in support of autonomous learning, 3) the teacher as authority partner in a negotiable learning process, and 4) the preference for self-dependence and collaborative learning. The results of the study can be pedagogically contributive to programs similar to the study’s context with regards to learner autonomy awareness and learner autonomy development.


2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 1280-1288
Author(s):  
Abdel Hameed Al Awabdeh

To support the significance of instructor readiness for the adoption of E-learning, it is necessary to examine the factors affecting instructors’ integration of Moodle into their English classrooms, as well as the students' perceptions of those who are learning English by using Moodle. This study had chosen to implement both qualitative and quantitative methods of analysis. The study's subjects comprised 25 lecturers and 150 students. The findings revealed that the lecturers from the University of Amman's School of English used Moodle as part of the English language teaching method. The majority of them used the option of document uploading and sharing function to give assignments to students and encouraged them to access and download the course materials outside of learning sessions to better enhance their competencies in English learning skills. Additionally, it was later discovered that the positive impacts of adopting Moodle during English lessons are as follows: Moodle promotes student-centered learning engagement, anytime-anywhere learning, simplifies course management, and mitigates the expense and time constraint of delivering lessons. The drawbacks of using Moodle in English classes are linked to technological problems, mainly regarding access to the Internet, inadequate professional development given to instructors, and Moodle's efficacy. Students exhibited favorable views regarding English learning by using Moodle as a platform. This is shown through their great computer self-efficacy, system engagement, and user satisfaction.


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