Teaching and Researching Autonomy in Language Learning

Description
Appropriate for third year and above students, lecturers and researchers in applied linguistics. Also of interest to language teachers and researchers involved in autonomous learning, self-access, and learner training, and the TESOL market in general. This book is the first to offer a comprehensive account of autonomy in language learning and the educational practices associated with the concept. It details the history and sources of the concept of autonomy, discusses areas of debate concerning its definition and reviews research on theoretical and practical applications.

Contents

SECTION 1: WHAT IS AUTONOMY
1. The History of Autonomy in Language Learning
2. Autonomy Beyond the Field of Language Education
3. Defining and Describing Autonomy
4.Control as a Natural Attribute of Learning
5. Levels of Control
6. Conclusion
SECTION 2: AUTONOMY IN PRACTICE
7. Fostering Autonomy
8. Resource-Based Learning
9. Technology-Based Approaches
10. Learner-Based approaches
11. Classroom-Based Approaches
12. Curriculum-Based Approaches
13. Teacher-Based Approaches
14. Conclusion
SECTION 3: RESEARCHING AUTONOMY
15. Research Methods and Key Areas of Research
16. Case Studies
17. Conclusion
SECTION 4: RESOURCES FOR TEACHING AND RESARCH
18. Resources for Research and Practice
References
Index

Features

• Offers clear guidelines on the evidence available for the effectiveness of practices associated with autonomy.
• Concluding chapters provide suggestions of issues for investigation, advice on action research design and a listing of internet resources.
• The first comprehensive account of the history and sources of autonomy.
  - Enables readers to understand the place of autonomy within educational theory and practice.
• Clearly defines autonomy and discusses the competing definitions.
  - Helps readers to develop a clear understanding of what autonomy is and is not.
• Clear and objective evaluation of research evidence on the effectiveness of autonomy and the practices associated with it.
  - Teaches the reader how to base research and practice on a clear picture of what we do and do not know about autonomy.
• Includes practical guidelines on research design illustrated by case studies.
  - Helps the reader to design and carry out research on autonomy.
• Companion web-site contains relevant web links and information.