Learner Autonomy in the Turkish EFL Context: A Meta-Synthesis Study of 2009-2019 Qualitative Research

Authors : Ömer ÖZER, Ceyhun YÜKSELİR

Pages : 154-171

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Publication Date : 2021-05-03

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :There are a number of qualitative studies which have emphasized the importance of developing learner autonomy in the Turkish foreign-language learning context but Turkish EFL learners’ experiences have not been synthesized to gain an overall picture of what aspects have been studied to date. This study therefore synthesizes twelve qualitative research findings dealing with the topic of learner autonomy in foreign-language learning settings in Turkey and in so doing identifies research gaps in the literature and makes suggestions for further research. A search using keywords was undertaken through the following databases and academic search engines: ERIC, Taylor & Francis, DergiPark, Google Scholar and SCOPUS. Twelve full-text, qualitative studies published in peer-reviewed journals since 2009 were identified and included. Inductive thematic analysis was employed to analyse and synthesize the findings. Three inductive themes were developed: insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(1); characteristics of autonomous learners, insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(2); ways to encourage learner autonomy and insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(3); challenges of developing learner autonomy. The findings indicate a scarcity of qualitative research on autonomous language learning through the experiences of late-career teachers. The findings of this meta-synthesis might also help to understand the mindset of language teachers in Turkey towards empowering students.
Keywords : Meta sentez, öğrenen özerkliği, yabancı dil öğrenimi, nitel araştırma tasarımı, Türkiye bağlamı