Students’ Practices and Perceptions of Autonomous Language Learning: the Case of Addis Ababa Science and Technology University

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate freshmen students' practices and perceptions of autonomous English language learning. The study investigates the actual language learning activities students carry out inside and outside the classroom with a view to determining their perceptions towards autonomous language learning, their readiness to take responsibility for their learning, and their motivation level of learning English autonomously. 313 students participated in the survey questionnaire where classroom observations and FGDs were used for triangulation. The obtained quantitative data from the questionnaire were analyzed using SPSS. The data collected through observations and FGDs were analyzed qualitatively using thematic analysis. Evidence from the results indicated that students were motivated to learn English and their behavior demonstrated that they were autonomous learners to some extent. Even though they were motivated and participated in autonomous language learning activities, there were only a few aspects that the students considered as their own responsibilities. Teachers should aware of students how to learn autonomously and share responsibility.