Research Article

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

Volume: 14 Number: 4 December 1, 2013
Dilek Altunay
TR EN

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

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.

Keywords

Autonomy, Distance EFL Learners, Language Learning, Open Education, Adult Learners

References

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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. https://izlik.org/JA46JE49WH
AMA
1.Altunay D. LANGUAGE LEARNING ACTIVITIES OF DISTANCE EFL LEARNERS IN THE TURKISH OPEN EDUCATION SYSTEM AS THE INDICATOR OF THEIR LEARNER AUTONOMY. TOJDE. 2013;14(4):296-307. https://izlik.org/JA46JE49WH
Chicago
Altunay, Dilek. 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. https://izlik.org/JA46JE49WH.
EndNote
Altunay D (December 1, 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.
IEEE
[1]D. Altunay, “LANGUAGE LEARNING ACTIVITIES OF DISTANCE EFL LEARNERS IN THE TURKISH OPEN EDUCATION SYSTEM AS THE INDICATOR OF THEIR LEARNER AUTONOMY”, TOJDE, vol. 14, no. 4, pp. 296–307, Dec. 2013, [Online]. Available: https://izlik.org/JA46JE49WH
ISNAD
Altunay, Dilek. “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 (December 1, 2013): 296-307. https://izlik.org/JA46JE49WH.
JAMA
1.Altunay D. LANGUAGE LEARNING ACTIVITIES OF DISTANCE EFL LEARNERS IN THE TURKISH OPEN EDUCATION SYSTEM AS THE INDICATOR OF THEIR LEARNER AUTONOMY. TOJDE. 2013;14:296–307.
MLA
Altunay, Dilek. “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, vol. 14, no. 4, Dec. 2013, pp. 296-07, https://izlik.org/JA46JE49WH.
Vancouver
1.Dilek Altunay. LANGUAGE LEARNING ACTIVITIES OF DISTANCE EFL LEARNERS IN THE TURKISH OPEN EDUCATION SYSTEM AS THE INDICATOR OF THEIR LEARNER AUTONOMY. TOJDE [Internet]. 2013 Dec. 1;14(4):296-307. Available from: https://izlik.org/JA46JE49WH