Learner Autonomy Across Cultures: Language Education Perspectives [Hardcover]

David Palfreyman (Editor), Richard C. Smith (Editor)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 1403903549 | ISBN-13: 978-1403903549 | Publication Date: March 4, 2004

What does "autonomy" mean within language learning? Should it be enhanced within national, institutional or small group culture and, if so, how can that be done? A variety of new theoretical perspectives are here firmly anchored in research data from projects worldwide. By foregrounding cultural issues and thus explicitly addressing the concerns of many educators on the appropriateness and feasibility of developing learner autonomy in practice, this book fills a gap in the literature and offers practical benefits to language teachers.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

David Palfreyman is based at Zayed University, Dubai. Richard C. Smith lectures in ELT/Applied Linguistics in the Centre for English Language Teacher Education, University of Warwick.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 256 pages
• Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan (March 4, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1403903549
• ISBN-13: 978-1403903549
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.5 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.5 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #8,432,954 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Must Have, June 22, 2006

By 

T. Hooper "thdizzy" (Osaka, Japan) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Learner Autonomy Across Cultures: Language Education Perspectives (Paperback)

This book is a must have for those who are teaching in non-western cultures. Though a number of articles, it addresses the field of language learning autonomy in non-western cultures. There has been concern that autonomy is only valid in western cultures because it is based on the western tradition of education. However, as these essays show, it may be dangerous to make this sort of cultural or ethnic generalization. Autonomy is present in all educational cultures. What may be the problem is that the approach of the teacher and the approach of the students may be different. If this is the case, then there may be some difficulty in developing autonomy in the students. I really recommend that any teacher teaching in non-western countries pick this up.