Speaker
ABSTRACT
Learner autonomy, a critical concept in second and foreign language education, has been widely discussed across various contexts worldwide. In this talk, I will focus on learner autonomy in the Asia, particularly in Japan. First, I will examine the types and stages of learner autonomy and discuss where Asian students’ autonomy falls within this continuum. Furthermore, I will address autonomy needs within the framework of Deci and Ryan’s self-determination theory, highlighting the challenges in establishing a causal relationship between the fulfillment of autonomy needs and Japanese EFL learners’ motivation. In the second section, I will explore pedagogical approaches to fostering learner autonomy both inside and outside the classroom. I will argue that educators should provide scaffolding in the early stages, gradually granting students greater freedom of choice and responsibility. Concerning classroom instruction, I will discuss the use of cooperative and collaborative learning and explain how these methods can help students develop autonomy. Regarding out-of-class online speaking lessons, I will present a study that examined how students, with support from teachers and staff, gradually gained confidence in speaking English, developed a sense of connection with other countries, and ultimately continued taking lessons voluntarily.
