Language learners’ and teachers’ perceptions relating to learner autonomy - Are they ready for autonomous language learning?

Abstract

Abstract. Autonomous learning has already established itself as the key element to language learning for almost three decades, but the concept just received serious attention in the context of Vietnam three years ago when certain colleges and universities started to apply the credit-based system in education. Given the circumstance, this study investigated into how non-English majored undergraduates and graduates perceived their responsibility and ability related to autonomous learning of the language and into the students’ autonomous learning activities in and off class. The results show that the concept of learner autonomy is still alien to both the students and the teachers although the former do want to change their current learning situation. The study suggests that autonomous learning be incorporated in the students’ language curriculum.

Keywords: Learner Autonomy, autonomous belief, autonomous behavior, credit-based system, responsibility, ability, activity.