Investigating Learner Autonomy in a Virtual EFL Classroom

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Investigating Learner Autonomy in a Virtual EFL
Classroom

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• Jo Mynard
• Research in ELT Conference
• Bangkok, April 2003

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Overview of Presentation

• Background information
• Brief literature review
• Research approach
• Data collection
• Data analysis
• Results
• Conclusions

3
Context

• Institution
• Learners
• Purpose of the study

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Brief Literature Review

• Learner autonomy
• Computer-mediated communication

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Research Approach

• Research methodology
• Grounded theory
• Research question

To what extent does computer-mediated
communication facilitate the development of
learner autonomy in a class of first
year Emirati female university students?
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Participants

• Opportunistic sample
• Ten first year foundation students
• Intermediate level of English
• Academic reading and Writing
• Competent computer users
• Not particularly autonomous

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Data Collection Methods

• Questionnaires
• Interviews
• Participant observation
• Examination of chat transcript
• Artifacts

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Data Analysis

• Transcribing
• Concept coding
• Open coding
• Axial coding
• External validation

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Results

• Students perceptions of the activity
• How participants managed and organized the
  learning activity
• How participants demonstrated awareness of their
  learning

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Limitations and Conclusions

• Longer period of time
• Likelihood of influencing the students
• Potential bias
• Grounded theory as an approach to investigating
  unique contexts

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Thank you for listening!

• This presentation will probably involve audience
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  during your presentation
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• Select the Action Items tab
• Type in action items as they come up
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  points entered.