Autonomy Support Beyond the Language Learning Classroom: A Self-Determination Theory Perspective

This book explores how self-determination theory (SDT) can support and understand autonomous language learning outside of the classroom, covering learning environments, open spaces, communities, and relationships, and advising and self-access language learning. It is of interest to language teachers, university lecturers, learning advisors, graduate students, and researchers in applied linguistics and TESOL.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 280 pages
Publication date: 04 April 2022
Publisher: Multilingual Matters

This book delves into the realm of self-determination theory (SDT) to enhance our understanding of how autonomous language learning can be fostered and comprehended in environments beyond the traditional classroom setting. Comprising a collection of theoretical, empirical, and practice-oriented chapters, it explores the various contexts and settings where autonomy support is crucial, including learning environments and open spaces, communities, and relationships. The chapters shed light on what transpires outside the classroom, revealing how socializing agents play a pivotal role in fostering autonomous motivation and well-being. Moreover, they demonstrate how SDT can augment our comprehension of supporting language learner autonomy. This invaluable resource is of immense interest to language teachers, university lecturers, learning advisors, graduate students, and researchers alike, who are engaged in providing support outside the classroom and exploring the fields of applied linguistics and TESOL.

Introduction:
Self-determination theory (SDT) has gained significant attention in the field of education, particularly in language learning. SDT posits that individuals are intrinsically motivated to engage in activities that are meaningful, challenging, and autonomous. This theory has implications for language learning, as it suggests that language learners are more likely to be engaged and motivated when they have control over their learning processes and are allowed to pursue their goals and interests.

The Application of Self-Determination Theory to Research and Practice:
This book aims to deepen our understanding of how autonomous language learning can be supported and understood within environments outside of the classroom. It explores the theoretical foundations of SDT and its application to research and practice in language learning. The chapters in this book examine autonomy support in a range of contexts and settings, including learning environments and open spaces, communities, and relationships. They address the challenges and opportunities that arise when supporting language learners in these contexts, and provide practical strategies and recommendations for language teachers and learning advisors.

Theoretical Foundations of Self-Determination Theory:
The book begins by providing an overview of the theoretical foundations of SDT. It discusses the concept of autonomy, which refers to an individual's sense of self-determination and control over their life. It also explores the principles of competence, relatedness, and autonomy support, which are key components of SDT. The authors argue that by fostering autonomy support, language learners are more likely to be engaged, motivated, and successful in their language learning endeavors.

Empirical and Practice-Focused Chapters:
The subsequent chapters of the book are empirical and practice-focused. They examine autonomy support in a variety of contexts and settings, including language classrooms, online learning environments, and community-based language learning programs. The authors provide case studies and examples to illustrate the practical applications of SDT in these contexts. They also discuss the challenges and limitations of implementing autonomy support and provide strategies for overcoming these challenges.

Autonomy Support in Learning Environments and Open Spaces:
One of the chapters focuses on autonomy support in learning environments and open spaces. The authors discuss the importance of creating learning environments that are conducive to autonomy and provide opportunities for language learners to engage in meaningful and challenging activities. They also explore the role of technology in supporting autonomy, such as online learning platforms and mobile learning apps.

Communities and Relationships:
Another chapter examines autonomy support in communities and relationships. The authors argue that language learning is not just a solitary activity but is embedded in social contexts. They discuss the importance of building relationships with language learners and their communities and providing opportunities for language learners to practice and use their language in real-life situations.

Advising and Self-Access Language Learning:
The book also includes chapters on advising and self-access language learning. The authors discuss the role of language teachers and learning advisors in supporting language learner autonomy. They provide practical strategies for advising language learners on their learning goals and strategies and for promoting self-access language learning.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, this book provides a comprehensive and practical guide to supporting autonomous language learning in environments beyond the classroom. It explores the theoretical foundations of SDT and its application to research and practice in language learning. The chapters offer valuable insights and strategies for language teachers, learning advisors, and researchers who are interested in enhancing language learner autonomy. By fostering autonomy support, language learners are more likely to be engaged, motivated, and successful in their language learning endeavors.

Dimension: 234 x 156 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781788929035