Premium
Learning Diaries in the English as a Foreign Language Classroom: A Tool for Accessing Learners' Perceptions of Lessons and Developing Learner Autonomy and Reflection
Author(s) -
Porto Melina
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
foreign language annals
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.258
H-Index - 49
eISSN - 1944-9720
pISSN - 0015-718X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1944-9720.2007.tb02887.x
Subject(s) - learner autonomy , psychology , foreign language , autonomy , perception , introspection , affect (linguistics) , language acquisition , pedagogy , language assessment , english as a foreign language , class (philosophy) , mathematics education , language education , comprehension approach , computer science , cognitive psychology , political science , communication , neuroscience , artificial intelligence , law
The aim ofthis study was to learnfrom students' frame of refercnce how they experience foreign language classes. Data include learning diaries written during 2005 for more than 35 weeks (March to November). Subjects were 95 Argentine, Caucasian, mostly jemale, middle‐class, Spanish‐speaking College students between 19 and 21 years of age who were enrolled in English Language 11 at the National University of La Plata in Argentina. The results of this study stress 1) the value of systematic learner introspection over time as a vehicle for reflection and autonomy in foreign and second language learning contexts; 2) uncovering learners' thoughts and beliefs in an effort to understand how these affect their engagement with language activities; and 3) using this Information to make instructional decisions and monitor their adequacy and effectiveness.