Zeitschrift für die Welt der Türken (Dec 2012)
LEARNER AUTONOMY IN FOREIGN LANGUAGE LEARNING IN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Abstract
Learner autonomy in foreign language learning involves students’ competence in decision making during their language learning process. One of the steps to be taken to develop learner autonomy in foreign language classes is to support students to develop the skill of decision making about their learning. Students’ involvement in decision making process effectively during their foreign language studies will help them develop their learner autonomy and learn a foreign language more efficient. The aim of this study is to determine the opinions of sixth grade students enrolled at elementary schools in Sivas city center towards learner autonomy in foreign language learning. Descriptive research method, which involves gathering data concerning current status of the phenomena, was used in the study. The study population is comprised of seventh grade students enrolled at elementary schools in Sivas city center in spring term of 2010-2011 academic year. Sample of the study consists of 975 students selected randomly. The stratified proportional random sampling procedure was used to select the schools. Learner Autonomy Questionnaire developed by Egel (2003) was used as the data collection tool. The questionnaire, developed to determine students’ opinions towards learner autonomy in foreign language learning, includes 44 items and nine sub-scales. Cronbach Alpha reliability coefficient of the questionnaire was measured to be .81. Frequency, percent, independent groups t test and Mann Whitney U test were utilized to analyze the data. Results with p<.05 were considered statistically significant. The study has not been completed yet and the study process is still going on both from the statistical process and interpretation of the findings. The research results proved that female students were better in readiness for self-direction, independent work in language learning, selection of content and assessment/motivation sub-scales. No statistically significant differences were found among the students views in importance of class/teacher, role of teacher: explanation/supervision, language learning activities, objectives/evaluation and other cultures sub-scales in terms of gender variable.
