Anchana Rukthong. Readiness for autonomous language learing : Thai University learners' beliefs about EFL learning and use of learning strategies. Master's Degree(Applied Linguistics). Mahidol University. : Mahidol University, 2008.
Readiness for autonomous language learing : Thai University learners' beliefs about EFL learning and use of learning strategies
Abstract:
Autonomous learning or the aspect of learning where learners are supposed to
take major control over their own learning is now playing an important role in
language education. This is because classroom-based learning alone, as claimed by
educators (Boud, 1988; Horwitz, 1987), is not sufficient for learners to master the
language they are studying. However, due to the fact that autonomous learning
capacity is not an inborn but acquired and developed capacity (Chu, 1998; Dickinson,
1994), it is necessary to investigate the learners’ background and readiness in order to
understand if they need any interventions for fostering autonomous learning. Such an
investigation, according to Wenden (1991), should focus on both learners’ beliefs
about learning and their use of learning strategies. Mindful of this, this study
examined learners’ beliefs about language learning and their use of learning strategies
to understand their readiness for autonomous English language learning.
Three types of research instruments: two sets of questionnaires, a self-report,
and an individual interview were employed to collect data from 174 English major
students in one Thai university context during the academic year of 2006/2007.
Results showed that the participants had facilitative beliefs about autonomous
learning, but were not fully ready to learn autonomously. Still, they believed that
teachers were those to take control over their learning. In addition, they believed that
they, themselves, were low and moderate English language learners who neither had
adequate knowledge of subject matters to improve their own learning nor knowledge
of self-direct learning to manage their own learning outside class. This is despite the
fact that they had willingness and acceptance to improve and manage their own
learning. Also, the participants were found to rarely use strategies to manage and
monitor the learning process, and evaluate their own learning, which are vital for
autonomous learning. Recommendations are made for classroom teachers to provide
training of autonomous language learning and to create learning environments in
which the methodological responsibilities such as setting objectives, selecting
techniques and materials, monitoring, and evaluating of learning are shared between
teachers and learners