Araştırma Makalesi

Fostering Learner AUtonomy: Teacher Beliefs and Actual Practices

Cilt: 12 Sayı: 1 24 Haziran 2026
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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

TUBİTAK

Etik Beyan

This study was presented at the 11th International Conference on Lifelong Education and Leadership for All (ICLEL 2025) in Kaunas, Lithuania, and the conference proceeding was financially supported by the 2224-A program of the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Türkiye (TUBİTAK).

Teşekkür

The conference proceeding was financially supported by the 2224-A program of the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Türkiye (TUBİTAK).

Kaynakça

  1. 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
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. Benson, P. (2007). Autonomy in language teaching and learning. Language Teaching, 40(1), 21–40. https://doi:10.1017/S0261444806003958
  5. Benson, P. (2011). Teaching and researching autonomy. Pearson Education
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. 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

Yayımlanma Tarihi

24 Haziran 2026

Gönderilme Tarihi

15 Ağustos 2025

Kabul Tarihi

8 Mayıs 2026

Yayımlandığı Sayı

Yıl 2026 Cilt: 12 Sayı: 1

Kaynak Göster

APA
Saral, N. Ç., & Balçıkanlı, C. (2026). Fostering Learner AUtonomy: Teacher Beliefs and Actual Practices. International Journal on Lifelong Education and Leadership, 12(1), 174-187. https://doi.org/10.25233/ijlel.1766178
AMA
1.Saral NÇ, Balçıkanlı C. Fostering Learner AUtonomy: Teacher Beliefs and Actual Practices. IJLEL. 2026;12(1):174-187. doi:10.25233/ijlel.1766178
Chicago
Saral, Nesli Çiğdem, ve Cem Balçıkanlı. 2026. “Fostering Learner AUtonomy: Teacher Beliefs and Actual Practices”. International Journal on Lifelong Education and Leadership 12 (1): 174-87. https://doi.org/10.25233/ijlel.1766178.
EndNote
Saral NÇ, Balçıkanlı C (01 Haziran 2026) Fostering Learner AUtonomy: Teacher Beliefs and Actual Practices. International Journal on Lifelong Education and Leadership 12 1 174–187.
IEEE
[1]N. Ç. Saral ve C. Balçıkanlı, “Fostering Learner AUtonomy: Teacher Beliefs and Actual Practices”, IJLEL, c. 12, sy 1, ss. 174–187, Haz. 2026, doi: 10.25233/ijlel.1766178.
ISNAD
Saral, Nesli Çiğdem - Balçıkanlı, Cem. “Fostering Learner AUtonomy: Teacher Beliefs and Actual Practices”. International Journal on Lifelong Education and Leadership 12/1 (01 Haziran 2026): 174-187. https://doi.org/10.25233/ijlel.1766178.
JAMA
1.Saral NÇ, Balçıkanlı C. Fostering Learner AUtonomy: Teacher Beliefs and Actual Practices. IJLEL. 2026;12:174–187.
MLA
Saral, Nesli Çiğdem, ve Cem Balçıkanlı. “Fostering Learner AUtonomy: Teacher Beliefs and Actual Practices”. International Journal on Lifelong Education and Leadership, c. 12, sy 1, Haziran 2026, ss. 174-87, doi:10.25233/ijlel.1766178.
Vancouver
1.Nesli Çiğdem Saral, Cem Balçıkanlı. Fostering Learner AUtonomy: Teacher Beliefs and Actual Practices. IJLEL. 01 Haziran 2026;12(1):174-87. doi:10.25233/ijlel.1766178