Fostering Learner AUtonomy: Teacher Beliefs and Actual Practices
Öz
Abstract Learner autonomy is an essential part of learning a language, and it is generally accepted that students need their teachers’ assistance in order to become more independent in learning English. The beliefs and applications of teachers are essential for encouraging this independence. There have been numerous studies focusing on teacher beliefs based on learner autonomy; nonetheless, few studies have revolved around teachers’ actual classroom practices to improve learner autonomy. In this vein, the current study investigates the beliefs and classroom practices of an English as a Foreign Language (EFL) teacher, who has a pseudonym-Melek-, with the objective of enhancing learner autonomy. In addition, it aims to discern potential discrepancies between the teacher’s articulated beliefs and her pedagogical practices, while also emphasizing the challenges faced during her online classes. Using a case study, the study gathered information from a single participant by interviews and observations for eight weeks. Subsequently, the data was analyzed utilizing a thematic analysis. The results show the participant used several techniques to foster learner autonomy. Her stated beliefs clearly differed from the observed classroom environment, though. The participant had difficulties applying procedures based on classroom-, learner-, and teacher-centered approaches to promote autonomy in the online teaching environment even if she recognized their potential. These results have various consequences. Policymakers are urged to understand the need of supporting learner autonomy by means of interaction in online learning environments and to modify guidelines in line with this realization. Furthermore, in-service training courses must be tailored to provide EFL teachers with efficient tools for encouraging learner autonomy. Key words: autonomy, teacher beliefs, classroom practices, online teaching.
Anahtar Kelimeler
Destekleyen Kurum
Etik Beyan
Teşekkür
Kaynakça
- 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
- Al-Asmari, A. (2013). Practices and prospects of learner autonomy: Teachers’ perceptions. English Language Teaching, 6(3), 1-10. http://dx.doi.org/10.5539/elt.v6n3p1
- Balçıkanlı, C. (2010). Learner autonomy in language learning: Student teachers' beliefs. Australian Journal of Teacher Education, 35(1), 90-103. https://doi.org/10.14221/ajte.2010v35n1.8
- Benson, P. (2007). Autonomy in language teaching and learning. Language Teaching, 40(1), 21–40. https://doi:10.1017/S0261444806003958
- Benson, P. (2011). Teaching and researching autonomy. Pearson Education
- Borg, S. (2003). Teacher cognition in language teaching: A review of research on what language teachers think, know, believe, and do. Language Teaching, 36, 81–109. https://doi:10.1017/S0261444803001903
- Borg, S., & Al-Busaidi, S. (2012). Teachers’ beliefs and practices regarding learner autonomy. ELT Journal 66(3), 283-292. https://doi.org/10.1093/elt/ccr065
- Borg, S., & Alshumaimeri, Y. (2017). Language learner autonomy in a tertiary context: Teachers’ beliefs and practices. Language Teaching Research, 23(1), 9-38. https://doi.org/10.1177/1362168817725759
Ayrıntılar
Birincil Dil
İngilizce
Konular
Eğitimin Psikolojik Temelleri , Eğitim Üzerine Çalışmalar (Diğer)
Bölüm
Araştırma Makalesi
Yazarlar
Cem Balçıkanlı
0000-0001-9344-2489
Türkiye
Yayımlanma Tarihi
24 Haziran 2026
Gönderilme Tarihi
15 Ağustos 2025
Kabul Tarihi
8 Mayıs 2026
Yayımlandığı Sayı
Yıl 2026 Cilt: 12 Sayı: 1