Exploring applicability of learner autonomy in Turkish EFL classrooms: how is learner autonomy perceived and practised in Turkish EFL classrooms at high school level?

Kocar, Eda (2020) Exploring applicability of learner autonomy in Turkish EFL classrooms: how is learner autonomy perceived and practised in Turkish EFL classrooms at high school level? MPhil(R) thesis, University of Glasgow.

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Abstract

In the Turkish context, the notion of learner autonomy has received increasing interest nationwide in the last decade through the efforts of the Ministry of Education. This research aimed to investigate and compare the applicability of learner autonomy in Turkish EFL classrooms in state and private schools at high school level. The findings of the current study reveal and compare Turkish EFL teachers’ understandings of learner autonomy and their practices in this area, including beyond the private and state school settings. Similarly, this research helps us to understand Turkish EFL students’ interpretations of and practices in learner autonomy. The participant of present study consisted of 20 EFL teachers and 66 students in 9th grade from private and state schools in one of the Turkish cities. Data were collected by using semi-structured interviews, focus groups and classroom observations. The data revealed that most of the participating teachers in state and private schools expressed some views about learner autonomy, however, many of the participants’ views were not clear and consistent. Also, the current study revealed some alignments and mismatches between teachers’ interpretations of learner autonomy and their practices relating to it. The data also indicated that, while some of the students share their interpretations of learner autonomy, as their teachers do, the rest of the students unfortunately do not have a clear understanding of learner autonomy. Moreover, the current research found that students in private and state schools engaged in autonomous learning activities.

Item Type: Thesis (MPhil(R))
Qualification Level: Masters
Keywords: learner autonomy, EFL.
Subjects: L Education > LB Theory and practice of education > LB1603 Secondary Education. High schools
L Education > LC Special aspects of education
Colleges/Schools: College of Social Sciences > School of Education
Supervisor's Name: Schweisfurth, Prof. Michele and Wardle, Dr. Georgina
Date of Award: 2020
Depositing User: Ms Eda Kocar
Unique ID: glathesis:2020-82004
Copyright: Copyright of this thesis is held by the author.
Date Deposited: 12 Feb 2021 11:52
Last Modified: 12 Feb 2021 14:18
Thesis DOI: 10.5525/gla.thesis.82004
URI: https://theses.gla.ac.uk/id/eprint/82004

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