Learner Autonomy in the National English Language Curricula for Chinese Universities 1978-2007:A Historical Analysis

This historical study investigates the concept of learner autonomy in the national English language curricula for Chinese universities.It seeks to understand the meaning of learner autonomy in China and the intentionality of promoting this concept through the curricula from 1978 to 2007.By adopting Quentin Skinner’s intentionalist approach to analyzing the history of ideas,this study conducted a systematic document analysis of three national curricula in relation to their linguistic and practical contexts constituted of 169 Chinese academic articles in total.The study revealed that learner autonomy mainly referred to students’motivation and ability to work hard on their own outside the classroom in the Chinese context.Importing this concept,however,caused ideological confusion and exacerbated the disempowerment of teachers within the dynamics of China’s English language education at the tertiary level.The study raises awareness for borrowing concepts across different cultural contexts and has implications for research,policymaking,teacher development,and pedagogical practice in second language education in China.

Learner Autonomy via Self-Assessment in Consecutive Interpreting for Novice Learners in a Non-Interpreting Environment

This paper discusses the implementation of self-assessment in consecutive interpreting among novice learners in a non-interpreting environment specifically referring to the interpreting courses offered at USM （Universiti Sains Malaysia）, being the only bachelor＇s degree programme in Translation and Interpreting in Malaysia, and the learners＇ perception on this mode of assessment with the goal of fostering learner autonomy among them. Such implementation was made possible with the shift from analogue technology to digital technology, the deployment of e-learning in the course instruction, and the shift from teacher-centred learning approach to student-centred learning approach in line with the university＇s APEX （Accelerated Programme for Excellence） transformation plan. Findings show a high acceptance level of self-assessment among novice learners of interpreting

How to Foster Learner Autonomy in English Teaching and Learning

Learner autonomy is a desirable goal in English teaching and learning. How to foster learner autonomy is of significance and of importance on pedagogy. The paper discusses the present problems in China, and then proposes four ways to promote learner autonomy.

Balancing Teacher Control and Learner Autonomy by Playing Different Roles in Teaching Reading

In the domain of teaching reading of college English in China, to some extent, the words ＂teacher control＂ and ＂learner autonomy＂ have been miscomprehended by some teachers. This article argues that both teacher control and learner autonomy play an important role in the process of foreign language learning. Too much or too little control may lead to the failure of learning effectively. Tasks can be accomplished effectively through teacher＇s balancing teacher control and learner autonomy. A teacher can play different roles in the process of teaching reading to balance teacher control and learner autonomy. In this way, teacher＇s proper control and learner freedom occur and language learning may be more effective.

Promoting EFL Learner Autonomy

This paper explores some of the key concepts of learner autonomy and considers their implications in Chinese EFL contexts. Starting with some definitions of learner autonomy, the paper puts forward the reasons for promoting it and argues for it to be cultivated in EFL learners. The paper points out proper conditions for learner autonomy and suggests means of implementing it by giving some concrete examples of various activities that teachers can design and organize. The writer hopes that more interest will be aroused and more efforts will be made in developing and promoting learner autonomy in Chinese EFL learning.

Take Actions on Learner Autonomy Introduction & Inquiry Question

Based on Toohey’s(2007)interpretation on autonomy,I develop the notion learner autonomy from three perspectives—discursive practices,alternative positionings and interactive others.Through analyzing my observation of an ESL class in a Canadian elementary school,this article mainly discusses three important factors associated with learner autonomy and how to better make use of them in teaching practices.

The Influence of the Learning Environment on Learner Autonomy： A Comparative Study of Polish and Yemeni EFL Undergraduate Learners

The goal of autonomous language learning is to create an atmosphere where learners take charge of their own learning. Creating this atmosphere encounters various challenges which are partially context-specific. Influenced by the learning environment, learnners of different educational contexts vary in their degree of autonomy. The present study examines the impact of the learning environment on learner autonomy at higher education. The study focuses on the differences between Polish and Yemeni EFL （English as a Foreign Language） learners with respect to their autonomy in language learning. A questionnaire was distributed to a total of 140 （59 Polish and 81 Yemeni） undergraduate learners. The questionnaire was coded into seven categories： beliefs and attitudes, planning, management, self-regulation, sources and materials, in-class responsibility, and out-of-class responsibility. Data were analysed quantitatively via SPSS （Statistical Product and Service Solutions）. Independent Sample t-Test is used to investigate the differences between Polish and Yemein learners and Pearson Correlation is used to perform correlational analysis among the seven categories. The results show significant differences between Polish and Yemeni learners in some of the categories as well as a significant correlation among other categories

Learner Autonomy and Attribution： A Paradigm Shift in ELT in India

Learner autonomy and attribution impact English language acquisition. Learners should be encouraged to take the responsibility for their success or failure, and achievement or underperformance in the acquisition of English as an L2 （second language）. A paradigm shift can be visible on the part of teachers and students of English only when they are metamorphosed voluntarily into classroom facilitators and autonomous learners with changed duties and responsibilities. As facilitators, teachers closely monitor learners＇ attributions to their success/failure in English language courses. ＂Attribution＂ means ＂how learners learn about themselves and order uncertain environments＂. Teachers are very often unaware of learner attributions; so it becomes essential for them to increase their awareness of learner attributions so that they can become facilitators. Interaction is the only medium for acquisition of English in the classroom, and teachers can play the role of a catalyst only when they allow students to become leamers with autonomy and right kind of learner attributions. Autonomy implies accountability. Very often, learner attributions clash with teacher attributions. As long as there is a clash, teachers can never claim themselves as facilitators of learning. This paper identifies the attributions of Indian learners of English, and studies if they clash with those of teachers. It also finds out the means of minimizing the negative and undesirable attributions of both facilitators and learners. Two standardized research questionnaires were developed and administered among students and teachers to identify the attributions, and to detect the desirability and feasibility of learner autonomy in the Indian context.

How Can Self-Access Centers in China Better Develop Students＇ Learner Autonomy

Accompanying the arrival of new technological and network ear, SACs （self-access centers） become the most widely adopted mode spreading in China with a large quantity of universities joining to follow the fashion. But whether the SACs in China can fully fulfill the purpose, to what extend can learners gain benefits to develop autonomy, and what are the possible ways for improvement are quite necessary to investigate since there starts to emerge various problems during the implementation of SACs. This paper aims to analyze the prevalent establishment of SACs in China in order to find out the reasons for prevalence, the current implementing mode, the degree of effectiveness on developing learner autonomy, especially potential problems and causes, and finally put forward some suggestions pedagogical implications for improving.

Learner autonomy of English majors in out-of-class English reading program

Learner autonomy plays a vital role in effective out-of-class English reading. The purpose of the research is to find ways of improving leamer autonomy of English majors in out-of-class reading program based on the problem found from the data of a survey among tertiary students in a university in China. Learning portfolio and cooperative reading within the framework of reactive autonomy were introduced by the author as two tentative solutions of promoting learner autonomy in out-of-class English reading program.

Promoting learner autonomy through strategy-based instruction

Learner autonomy is a matter of explicit or conscious intention. Learners cannot accept responsibility for their own learning unless they have some ideas of what, why, and how they are trying to learn. This paper argues that learner autonomy may be promoted through strategy-based instruction. The intent of strategy-based instruction is to help all students become better language learners. When students begin to understand their own learning processes and can exert some control over these processes, they tend to take more responsibility for their own learning and become more autonomous. Teachers may conduct strategy-based instruction by complementing such activities as preparation, practice, evaluation and expansion.

Promoting Language Learner Autonomy in the New Era: Empirical and Theoretical Summary Based on the Online Chinese Teaching Experience

This article centers on factors that may affect language learners’autonomy in face of the challenges and the potential opportunities in the new era of post pandemic.It is of great significance to shed light on empirical approaches that serve to support teachers and learners to seek for multi-dimensional strategies on enhancing the learner autonomy where remote and virtual learning has been indispensable for both learners and teachers worldwide.It has become our consistent motive and responsibility to effectively address language learners’academic goals as well as their personal development in a more inclusive and collaborative learning community.

Contextualizing Learner Autonomy in English Classrooms in China

The notion of learner autonomy has been widely acknowledged in the language teaching world.This study investigates the basic constructs and common issues associated with learner autonomy,including major models,teacher roles and underpinning language learning theories.With careful examination of dominating theories involved,this study provides a contextual analysis of its interpretation in Chinese mainland,followed by discussion based on observation of a classroom learning activity within the scope.In relation to the problems arising from the teaching reality,it makes further exploration to propose some suggestions for achieving autonomous learning in the Chinese context.

How to Promote Learner Autonomy in the Language Classroom

Learner autonomy is an effective way to improve the efficiency of ELT. This paper makes a preliminary study on the possible approaches to promote learner autonomy in the language classroom.

On the Factors Influencing Learner Autonomy in Chinese EFL Contexts

Since late 1970s, worldwide EFL classrooms have witnessed the change from teacher-centered learning to learner-centered and more effective language learning. Research findings have shown repeatedly the importance of developing learner autonomy. Based on the review of the relevant literature both in China and around the world, the present paper discusses the main factors affecting the promotion of EFL learner autonomy in China, including motivation, learners＇ metacognitive knowledge and learning environment. Some strategies for fostering learner autonomy are also recommended.

Developing Learner Autonomy for Vocabulary Learning

Vocabulary acquisition in adequate quantities for academic study within a short period of time is essential to the Chinese college students. This research focuses on the students＇ development of learner autonomy for vocabulary learning, and elaborates the approaches of the vocabulary e-learning and mnemonic procedures, which includes： memory strategies, contextual associations, conceptual meaning, creating tasks, etc. The result suggests that these approaches are most advisable and has proven some good effects in the vocabulary learning.

On the Roles of English Teachers in Learner Autonomy

Learner autonomy has recently been introduced as one of the efficacious, potential-developing teaching patterns. Based on its nature and its great effect on the promotion of language teaching, this paper chiefly focuses on the important roles English teachers play in it and its significance to the development of language teaching in China.

Utilizing Communication Strategies to Develop Learner Autonomy

This paper investigates the effects of communication strategy instruction on the promotion of learner autonomy and introduces the two stages of CS instruction. Autonomous learners are characterized by their knowledge of strategies and the efficient control over their use. Then it is reasonable to speculate that the inclusion of CS instruction in foreign language classroom would help learners become more autonomous because the efficient and controlled use of CS should be an integral part of the strategic behavior that characterizes autonomous learners.

Learner Autonomy and EFL Vocabulary Acquisition in Hainan University

This paper explored EFL learners’perceptions of learner autonomy(LA)in Hainan University.Two findings have been found in the research.Firstly,the third-year students were found to be the least autonomous learners.Secondly,the learners were exceedingly dependent on their teachers for explanation and guidance for in-class learning.The teacher’s role is dominant to the learners.In this sense,it is not that the learners lack the ability to learn independently.Rather it is likely to be due to their traditional beliefs about the superior dominance of their teachers’role that make them become more dependent in learning.Relevant implications were discussed.

The Contribution of Blended Teaching Approach to the Promotion of Learner Autonomy

Compared with traditional face-to-face teaching and traditional e-learning model,blended teaching,an innovative teaching method,has drawn teachers’and researchers’attention.In terms of teachers,especially language teachers at the tertiary level are encouraged to use this method for different learning experiences it offers.And much literature research has proved that blended teaching approach can improve students’learning efficiency and effectiveness.Therefore,there is a trend that blended teaching as an alternative approach to traditional classroom teaching should be adopted and popularized.However,on the basis of the authors’personal teaching experiences,the following research questions are put forward:First,in the course of College English,are students in blended teaching approach more engaged in their learning than those in the traditional formats?Second,what are the perceptions of blended teaching approach among both language teachers and language learners?Third,can blended teaching approach really promote learners’autonomy?Bearing these questions in mind,the authors conducted a survey among language teachers and students in Inner Mongolia University of Technology(IMUT),and it comes to a conclusion that the blended teaching approach can help to improve learners’autonomy;however,not in a very positive and motivated way.The underlying reasons for this finding are need investigating further.