Exploring the Unknown: The Autonomy of Saudi EFL Learners

Autor/in	Alrabai, Fakieh
Titel	Exploring the Unknown: The Autonomy of Saudi EFL Learners
Quelle	In: English Language Teaching, 10 (2017) 5, S.222-233 (12 Seiten) PDF als Volltext kostenfreie Datei Verfügbarkeit
Sprache	englisch
Dokumenttyp	gedruckt; online; Zeitschriftenaufsatz
ISSN	1916-4742
Schlagwörter	Personal Autonomy; Second Language Learning; Second Language Instruction; English (Second Language); Standardized Tests; Achievement Tests; Foreign Countries; Academic Achievement; Student Surveys; Statistical Analysis; Role; Scores; Correlation; Gender Differences; Secondary School Students; College Students; Saudi Arabia + Suchen Sie Ihr Suchwort? Individuelle Autonomie; Zweitsprachenerwerb; Fremdsprachenunterricht; English as second language; English; Second Language; Englisch als Zweitsprache; Standadised tests; Standardisierter Test; Achievement test; Achievement; Testing; Test; Tests; Leistungsbeurteilung; Leistungsüberprüfung; Leistung; Testdurchführung; Testen; Ausland; Schulleistung; Schülerbefragung; Statistische Analyse; Rollen; Korrelation; Geschlechterkonflikt; Sekundarschüler; Collegestudent; Saudi-Arabien
Abstract	This study addresses a new area of research in Saudi Arabia. Using a sample of 630 Saudi students, it investigates learners' level of autonomy and its relationship to academic achievement in English as a foreign language (EFL). Learners' level of autonomy was measured by a survey, whereas their achievement was evaluated using standardized achievement tests. The data were analyzed using descriptive analyses and a t-test. The findings revealed that learners were "non-autonomous," with a mean autonomy score of 2.35 out of 5; and also low language achievers (M = 66 out of 100). Gender had a significant effect on autonomy and achievement. These findings emphasize the vast lack of awareness of the vital role of learner autonomy in the Saudi EFL setting. The study suggests that Saudi learners and teachers alike require increased awareness of the importance of the concept of autonomy and that practical means to promote Saudi EFL learner autonomy should be sought and practiced. (As Provided).
Anmerkungen	Canadian Center of Science and Education. 1120 Finch Avenue West Suite 701-309, Toronto, OH M3J 3H7, Canada. Tel: 416-642-2606; Fax: 416-642-2608; e-mail: elt@ccsenet.org; Web site: http://www.ccsenet.org/journal/index.php/elt
Erfasst von	ERIC (Education Resources Information Center), Washington, DC
Update	2020/1/01