Speaker
Description
Learner autonomy plays a vital role in the success of online language learning, particularly within distance education, where learners are expected to take greater responsibility for their progress. This study investigates how learner autonomy is encouraged and experienced in online English language courses at a university in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam. Drawing on survey responses from 158 undergraduate students and interviews with 5 English lecturers and 5 students, the research explores both current teaching practices and the challenges that arise in fostering independent learning. While instructors reported using strategies such as self-paced tasks, reflective journals, and peer interaction to support autonomy, many students still showed a strong dependence on teacher guidance. Common barriers included limited digital skills, low motivation, and a lack of prior training in autonomous learning. The findings suggest that to strengthen learner autonomy, more structured support, including orientation programs and ongoing mentoring, should be embedded into the design of distance English courses.
Biography
Tran Ngoc Bao Chau is a lecturer at the Department of English Language and Culture, School of Foreign Languages, Can Tho University. She has been teaching English for nearly eight years and finds great joy in helping students grow in both language skills and cultural understanding. In 2020, she completed her master’s degree in Principles and Methods in English Language Education, which sparked her deeper interest in how languages are taught and learned. Her research covers a range of topics, including TESOL, language pedagogy, linguistics, and professional development for teachers. Chau is especially interested in practical ways to improve English teaching and create more engaging, meaningful learning experiences. She values the connections built through language and sees education as a way to bridge cultures and inspire change. As both a teacher and researcher, she continues to explore new ideas and approaches to support her students and colleagues.
