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Learner Autonomy in the Turkish EFL Context: A Meta-Synthesis Study of 2009-2019 Qualitative Research
Abstract
There are a number of qualitative studies which have emphasized the importance of developing learner autonomy in the Turkish foreign-language learning context but Turkish EFL learners’ experiences have not been synthesized to gain an overall picture of what aspects have been studied to date. This study therefore synthesizes twelve qualitative research findings dealing with the topic of learner autonomy in foreign-language learning settings in Turkey and in so doing identifies research gaps in the literature and makes suggestions for further research. A search using keywords was undertaken through the following databases and academic search engines: ERIC, Taylor & Francis, DergiPark, Google Scholar and SCOPUS. Twelve full-text, qualitative studies published in peer-reviewed journals since 2009 were identified and included. Inductive thematic analysis was employed to analyse and synthesize the findings. Three inductive themes were developed: (1) characteristics of autonomous learners, (2) ways to encourage learner autonomy and (3) challenges of developing learner autonomy. The findings indicate a scarcity of qualitative research on autonomous language learning through the experiences of late-career teachers. The findings of this meta-synthesis might also help to understand the mindset of language teachers in Turkey towards empowering students.
Keywords
Thanks
This meta-synthesis study is an extended version of a conference paper which was presented at the International Language Teacher Education Research Group (ILTERG2) Conference held on 16/17 October 2020 on an online platform.
References
- Ahmadianzadeh, B., Seifoori, Z., & Hadidi Tamjid, N. (2020). Exploring EFL teachers’ beliefs about and practices of learner autonomy across experience and licensure. Innovation in Language Learning and Teaching, 14(2), 97-113. https://doi.org/10.1080/17501229.2018.1501694
- Balçıkanlı, C. (2010). Learner autonomy in language learning: Student teachers’ beliefs. Australian Journal of Teacher Education, 35(1), 90-103. http://dx.doi.org/10.14221/ajte.2010v35n1.8
- Benson, P. (2007). Autonomy in language teaching and learning. Language Teaching, 40(1), 21-40. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0261444806003958
- Benson, P. (2009). ‘Making sense of autonomy in language learning.’ In S. Toogood, R. Pemberton & A. Barfield (eds), Maintaining control: Autonomy and language learning (pp. 13-26). Hong Kong: Hong Kong University Press.
- Benson, P. (2011). Teaching and researching autonomy (2nd edition). London: Pearson.
- Borg, S., & Alshumaimeri, Y. (2019). Language learner autonomy in a tertiary context: Teachers’ beliefs and practices. Language Teaching Research, 23, 9-38. https://doi.org/10.1177/1362168817725759
- Course, S. (2017). Reading Strategies and Reading Diaries for Autonomous Learning in a Turkish Context. The Reading Matrix: an International Online Journal, 17(1), 124-142.
- Çakıcı, D. (2017). An investigation of learner autonomy in Turkish EFL context. International Journal of Higher Education, 6(2), 89-99. https://doi.org/10.5430/ijhe.v6n2p89
Details
Primary Language
English
Subjects
-
Journal Section
Research Article
Early Pub Date
September 2, 2023
Publication Date
May 3, 2021
Submission Date
November 14, 2020
Acceptance Date
February 16, 2021
Published in Issue
Year 2021 Number: 58