The Perception of Autonomous Learning among Saudi ESL Learners in the UK

Abstract

Autonomous learning plays an important role in language learning, a role that makes students more independent and provides them with a realistic setting in which to master their target language. Most language educators believe that learners have to be responsible for their own learning and take full advantage of opportunities to practice the language. Although autonomous learning of English as a second language (ESL) has caught the attention of many scholars, it is still not widely practiced in the Saudi context. This study explores the perception of autonomous learning on the part of Saudi ESL students in the United Kingdom (UK) and examines the role of culture in relation to this issue. As part of the study, a questionnaire was administered to a sample of 45 Saudi students from two private English language schools in the UK. The students were polled on their perceptions of responsibilities, abilities, motivation, and the practice of self-directed activities inside and outside of the classroom. In addition to the questionnaire, 6 students and 2 teachers from each of the two English language schools were interviewed in order to investigate the data in depth. The two English language teachers were asked about Saudi ESL students’ motivations as well as their performance and the techniques and strategies the teachers use to promote students’ autonomy. Our findings revealed that the Saudi ESL students in both English language schools generally demonstrated excellent attitudes toward autonomous learning. The results also showed high levels of extrinsic motivation to learn English among the students, and all students indicated changes in their study habits since their arrival in the UK, a fact that is clearly linked to their high levels of motivation and regular practice of the English language. This study suggests strategies of learning and teaching that promote learner autonomy, and recommends further research for future investigation due to some limitations of this study