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Asist. Prof. Dr. Dilek ALTUNAY Mustafa Kemal University, Faculty of Science & Literature, English Language & Literature

Year 2013, Volume: 14 Issue: 4, 296 - 307, 01.12.2013

Abstract

References

  • Altunay, D. & Mutlu, M. E. (2010).Use of ICT in Distance English Language Learning: A
  • Study with Anadolu University, Open Education Faculty EFL Students. IODL & ICEM 2010
  • Joint Conference and Media Days, October 6-8, 2010, Anadolu University Eskişehir, Turkey.
  • Balcıkanlı, C. (2008). Fostering learner autonomy in EFL classrooms. Kastamonu
  • Education Journal. 16(1).277-284
  • Benson, P. & Lor, W. (1998). Making sense of autonomous language learning. English centre monograph 2. Hong Kong: The University of Hong Kong.
  • Benson, P. (2001). Teaching and researching autonomy in language learning. Harlow,
  • Essex: Pearson Education. Candy, P. C. (1991). Self-direction for lifelong learning. A comprehensive guide to theory and practice. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.
  • Chamot, A. U. (1993). Student responses to learning strategy instruction in the foreign language classroom. Foreign Language Annals, 26(3), 308–321.
  • Cohen, A. D. (1998). Strategies in learning and using a second language. Harlow: Longman.
  • Cotterall, S. (1999). Key variables in language learning: what do learners believe about them? System, 27, 493-513.
  • Coban, Z. (2002). Attitudes towards learner autonomy in Gazi University and Yıldız
  • Teknik University. Paper presented at the International INGED Conference on Interchanges and Exchanges: Current Trends in ELT, Metu, Ankara, Turkey. Dickinson, L. (1992). Learner training for language learning. Dublin: Authentik Language Learning Resources.
  • Garrison, D. R., & Archer, W. (2000). A transactional perspective on teaching and learning: A framework for adult and higher education. Oxford: Pergamon.
  • Gomleksız, M.N & Bozpolat,E. (2012). İlköğretimde Yabancı Dil Öğreniminde Öğrenen
  • Ozerkliği, Zeitschrift für die Welt der Türken /Journal of World of Turks, 4(3), 95-114. Gundogdu, K. (1997). Supporting pupil autonomy in one primary school applying the child-centered ethos: A case study. Unpublished Master’s thesis.University of Newcastle. Newcastle, England.
  • Holec, H. (1981). Autonomy in foreign language learning. Oxford: Pergamon.
  • Holmes, G. & Abington-Cooper, M. (2000). Pedagogy vs. andragogy: A false dichotomy?
  • The Journal of Technology Studies, 26, 2. Retrieved May 17, 2013 from http://scholar.lib.vt.edu/ejournals/JTS/Summer-Fall-2000/holmes.html
  • Hurd, S., Beaven, T. & Ortega, A. (2001). Developing autonomy in a distance language learning context: issues and dilemmas for course writers. System, 29(3), 341–355.
  • Kaya, M. (2012). Uzaktan Eğitimde Öğrenenlerin Yabancı Dil Ogreniminde Özerk
  • Ogrenme Becerileri: Uzaktan IOLP Orneği. Unpublished Master’s thesis. Anadolu Üniversitesi Sosyal Bilimler Enstitüsü, Eskisehir. Kennedy, J.(2002). Learner autonomy: A realistic proposition for Turkish students. In M.
  • Monty and M. Godfrey (Eds.), Global problems and local solutions. Proceedings of ELT Conference (pp.118-122). Istanbul: Isık University. Knowles, M. S. (1980). The modern practice of adult education: From pedagogy to andragogy. (2nd ed.). New York: Cambridge Books.
  • Knowles, M. S., Holton, E. F., & Swanson, R. A. (1998). A theory of adult learning:
  • Andragogy. In The adult learner: The definitive classic in adult education and human resource development (5th ed.) (pp. 35-72). Woburn: Butterworth Heinemann. Kötter, M. 2001. Developing distance learners’ interactive competence: Can synchronous audio do the trick? International Journal of Educational Telecommunications, 7(4), 327- 3
  • Kucuroglu, Ç. (2000). The role of a learner-centered approach in language teaching on the development of learner autonomy: A model course design. Doğuş University Journal, 1, 193-200.
  • Little, D. (1995). The dependence of learner autonomy on teacher autonomy. System, 23(2), 175-181.
  • Little, D. (2001). Learner autonomy and the challenge of tandem language learning via the Internet. In Chambers, A. and Davies, G. (eds), ICT and language learning: A
  • European perspective. Lisse: Swets and Zeitlinger. Littlewood, W. (1996). Autonomy: An anatomy and a framework. System, 24(4), 427-435.
  • Littlewood, W. (1999). Defining and developing autonomy in East Asian contexts. Applied Linguistics, 20, 71-94.
  • Murphy, L. (2007). Autonomous distance language learning: Supporting critical reflection. Interaction and decision-making. Proceedings of the Independent Learning
  • Association 2007 Japan Conference: Exploring theory, enhancing practice: Autonomy across the disciplines. Kanda University of International Studies, Chiba, Japan, October 200
  • Murphy, L. (2008). Supporting learner autonomy: Developing practice through the production of courses for distance learners of French, German and Spanish. Language
  • Teaching Research, 12(1), 83-102. Nunan, D. (1997). Designing and adapting materials to encourage learner autonomy. In
  • Benson, Phil & Voller, Peter (Eds.), Autonomy and independence in language learning (192-203). London: Longman. Pekkanlı-Egel, İ. (2003). The Impact of the European Language Portfolio on the Learner
  • Autonomy of Turkish Primary School Students. Unpublished Doctoral Dissertation. Anadolu University, Eskisehir. Spratt, M., Humphreys, G., & Chan, V. (2002). Autonomy and motivation: which comes first? Language Teaching Research, 6, 245-26.
  • Ustunluoglu, E. (2009). Autonomy in language learning: Do students take responsibility for their learning. Journal of Theory and Practice in Education, 5(2), 148-169.
  • Usuki, M. (2003). Learner beliefs about language learning and learner autonomy: A reconsideration. In A. Barfield, & M. Nix (Eds.), Learner and teacher autonomy in Japan 1:
  • Autonomy you ask (pp.11-26). Tokyo: Learner Development Special Interest Group of JALT. Wang, C. & Hemsley, R. (2008). Net-based learner autonomy, its problems and possible solutions – A case study in WAHU, China. English Language Teaching, 1(1), 107-112.
  • White, C. (1995). Autonomy and strategy use in distance foreign language learning: research findings. In Wenden, A. and L. Dickinson (Eds.), System special issue on autonomy, 23(2), 207-221.
  • White, C. (2003a). Independent language learning in distance education: Current issues.
  • Conference on Supporting independent language learning in the 21st century, 11-14
  • September, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC. White, C. (2003b). Language learning in distance education. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
  • Yildirim, O.(2008). Turkish EFL learners' readiness for learner autonomy. Journal of
  • Language and Linguistic Studies, 4(1), 65-80. Yumuk, A. (2002). Letting go of control to the learners: the role of the Internet in promoting a more autonomous view of learning in an academic translation course.
  • Educational Research, 44(2), 141-156.

LANGUAGE LEARNING ACTIVITIES OF DISTANCE EFL LEARNERS IN THE TURKISH OPEN EDUCATION SYSTEM AS THE INDICATOR OF THEIR LEARNER AUTONOMY

Year 2013, Volume: 14 Issue: 4, 296 - 307, 01.12.2013

Abstract

This study investigates the noncompulsory language learning activities performed by a group of distance EFL learners in the Turkish Open Education System. Performance of these activities has been considered as an indicator of their learner autonomy. The data were collected through an online questionnaire and interviews. The study shows that in general learners do not demonstrate autonomous language learning behaviour. They prefer learning English in a relaxed environment particularly by engaging in entertaining activities, and through note-taking. However, they do not have sufficient interaction with their facilitator, other learners or speakers. Although the participants are distance learners, they do not prefer Internet-based activities. Conditions stemming from adulthood, lack of skills necessary to perform an activity, lack of awareness of some activities and learners’ experiences in their previous years of education are some of the reasons for their unautonomous behaviour. The article also includes suggestions for teaching and future research.

References

  • Altunay, D. & Mutlu, M. E. (2010).Use of ICT in Distance English Language Learning: A
  • Study with Anadolu University, Open Education Faculty EFL Students. IODL & ICEM 2010
  • Joint Conference and Media Days, October 6-8, 2010, Anadolu University Eskişehir, Turkey.
  • Balcıkanlı, C. (2008). Fostering learner autonomy in EFL classrooms. Kastamonu
  • Education Journal. 16(1).277-284
  • Benson, P. & Lor, W. (1998). Making sense of autonomous language learning. English centre monograph 2. Hong Kong: The University of Hong Kong.
  • Benson, P. (2001). Teaching and researching autonomy in language learning. Harlow,
  • Essex: Pearson Education. Candy, P. C. (1991). Self-direction for lifelong learning. A comprehensive guide to theory and practice. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.
  • Chamot, A. U. (1993). Student responses to learning strategy instruction in the foreign language classroom. Foreign Language Annals, 26(3), 308–321.
  • Cohen, A. D. (1998). Strategies in learning and using a second language. Harlow: Longman.
  • Cotterall, S. (1999). Key variables in language learning: what do learners believe about them? System, 27, 493-513.
  • Coban, Z. (2002). Attitudes towards learner autonomy in Gazi University and Yıldız
  • Teknik University. Paper presented at the International INGED Conference on Interchanges and Exchanges: Current Trends in ELT, Metu, Ankara, Turkey. Dickinson, L. (1992). Learner training for language learning. Dublin: Authentik Language Learning Resources.
  • Garrison, D. R., & Archer, W. (2000). A transactional perspective on teaching and learning: A framework for adult and higher education. Oxford: Pergamon.
  • Gomleksız, M.N & Bozpolat,E. (2012). İlköğretimde Yabancı Dil Öğreniminde Öğrenen
  • Ozerkliği, Zeitschrift für die Welt der Türken /Journal of World of Turks, 4(3), 95-114. Gundogdu, K. (1997). Supporting pupil autonomy in one primary school applying the child-centered ethos: A case study. Unpublished Master’s thesis.University of Newcastle. Newcastle, England.
  • Holec, H. (1981). Autonomy in foreign language learning. Oxford: Pergamon.
  • Holmes, G. & Abington-Cooper, M. (2000). Pedagogy vs. andragogy: A false dichotomy?
  • The Journal of Technology Studies, 26, 2. Retrieved May 17, 2013 from http://scholar.lib.vt.edu/ejournals/JTS/Summer-Fall-2000/holmes.html
  • Hurd, S., Beaven, T. & Ortega, A. (2001). Developing autonomy in a distance language learning context: issues and dilemmas for course writers. System, 29(3), 341–355.
  • Kaya, M. (2012). Uzaktan Eğitimde Öğrenenlerin Yabancı Dil Ogreniminde Özerk
  • Ogrenme Becerileri: Uzaktan IOLP Orneği. Unpublished Master’s thesis. Anadolu Üniversitesi Sosyal Bilimler Enstitüsü, Eskisehir. Kennedy, J.(2002). Learner autonomy: A realistic proposition for Turkish students. In M.
  • Monty and M. Godfrey (Eds.), Global problems and local solutions. Proceedings of ELT Conference (pp.118-122). Istanbul: Isık University. Knowles, M. S. (1980). The modern practice of adult education: From pedagogy to andragogy. (2nd ed.). New York: Cambridge Books.
  • Knowles, M. S., Holton, E. F., & Swanson, R. A. (1998). A theory of adult learning:
  • Andragogy. In The adult learner: The definitive classic in adult education and human resource development (5th ed.) (pp. 35-72). Woburn: Butterworth Heinemann. Kötter, M. 2001. Developing distance learners’ interactive competence: Can synchronous audio do the trick? International Journal of Educational Telecommunications, 7(4), 327- 3
  • Kucuroglu, Ç. (2000). The role of a learner-centered approach in language teaching on the development of learner autonomy: A model course design. Doğuş University Journal, 1, 193-200.
  • Little, D. (1995). The dependence of learner autonomy on teacher autonomy. System, 23(2), 175-181.
  • Little, D. (2001). Learner autonomy and the challenge of tandem language learning via the Internet. In Chambers, A. and Davies, G. (eds), ICT and language learning: A
  • European perspective. Lisse: Swets and Zeitlinger. Littlewood, W. (1996). Autonomy: An anatomy and a framework. System, 24(4), 427-435.
  • Littlewood, W. (1999). Defining and developing autonomy in East Asian contexts. Applied Linguistics, 20, 71-94.
  • Murphy, L. (2007). Autonomous distance language learning: Supporting critical reflection. Interaction and decision-making. Proceedings of the Independent Learning
  • Association 2007 Japan Conference: Exploring theory, enhancing practice: Autonomy across the disciplines. Kanda University of International Studies, Chiba, Japan, October 200
  • Murphy, L. (2008). Supporting learner autonomy: Developing practice through the production of courses for distance learners of French, German and Spanish. Language
  • Teaching Research, 12(1), 83-102. Nunan, D. (1997). Designing and adapting materials to encourage learner autonomy. In
  • Benson, Phil & Voller, Peter (Eds.), Autonomy and independence in language learning (192-203). London: Longman. Pekkanlı-Egel, İ. (2003). The Impact of the European Language Portfolio on the Learner
  • Autonomy of Turkish Primary School Students. Unpublished Doctoral Dissertation. Anadolu University, Eskisehir. Spratt, M., Humphreys, G., & Chan, V. (2002). Autonomy and motivation: which comes first? Language Teaching Research, 6, 245-26.
  • Ustunluoglu, E. (2009). Autonomy in language learning: Do students take responsibility for their learning. Journal of Theory and Practice in Education, 5(2), 148-169.
  • Usuki, M. (2003). Learner beliefs about language learning and learner autonomy: A reconsideration. In A. Barfield, & M. Nix (Eds.), Learner and teacher autonomy in Japan 1:
  • Autonomy you ask (pp.11-26). Tokyo: Learner Development Special Interest Group of JALT. Wang, C. & Hemsley, R. (2008). Net-based learner autonomy, its problems and possible solutions – A case study in WAHU, China. English Language Teaching, 1(1), 107-112.
  • White, C. (1995). Autonomy and strategy use in distance foreign language learning: research findings. In Wenden, A. and L. Dickinson (Eds.), System special issue on autonomy, 23(2), 207-221.
  • White, C. (2003a). Independent language learning in distance education: Current issues.
  • Conference on Supporting independent language learning in the 21st century, 11-14
  • September, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC. White, C. (2003b). Language learning in distance education. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
  • Yildirim, O.(2008). Turkish EFL learners' readiness for learner autonomy. Journal of
  • Language and Linguistic Studies, 4(1), 65-80. Yumuk, A. (2002). Letting go of control to the learners: the role of the Internet in promoting a more autonomous view of learning in an academic translation course.
  • Educational Research, 44(2), 141-156.
There are 46 citations in total.

Details

Primary Language English
Journal Section Articles
Authors

Dilek Altunay This is me

Publication Date December 1, 2013
Submission Date February 27, 2015
Published in Issue Year 2013 Volume: 14 Issue: 4

Cite

APA Altunay, D. (2013). LANGUAGE LEARNING ACTIVITIES OF DISTANCE EFL LEARNERS IN THE TURKISH OPEN EDUCATION SYSTEM AS THE INDICATOR OF THEIR LEARNER AUTONOMY. Turkish Online Journal of Distance Education, 14(4), 296-307.