EFL instructors' perception and practices on learner autonomy in some Turkish universities

Gizem Doğan, İsmail Hakkı Mirici

Abstract


Learner autonomy has become a central ability to develop in learners for a fruitful language learning/teaching process in EFL classes. Particularly, in this world of knowledge, teaching learners how to access resources and how to use them for their learning needs has become increasingly important. Teachers’ perception on learner autonomy is crucial because their beliefs about independent learning either intentionally or unintentionally impede the development of learner autonomy. The aim of this study is to investigate EFL Instructors’ perceptions and practices on learner autonomy at the schools of foreign languages in nine geographically diverse public Turkish universities. The study was conducted with 96 EFL instructors, and the data were collected through a questionnaire and interviews. The findings of this study revealed that the instructors had highly positive views on different aspects of learner autonomy. It was also found out that they did not perceive it as much feasible as they perceived it desirable. 


Keywords


Learner autonomy, teacher perception, English as a Foreign Language (EFL), self-directed learning, aspects of learner autonomy

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References


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