Teachers' Influence On EFL Learner Autonomy

The wide application of computer and Internet has provided EFL learners with many accesses to learn English outside the classroom, so the concept of learner autonomy (LA) has gained momentum, and become a "buzz-word" within the context of language learning (little, 1991:2). Presently, the study of EFL learner autonomy has developed rapidly in China, and many scholars have focused their study on intrinsic factors that affect learner autonomy, such as the learners' attitude, motivation, and interest. However, learner autonomy does not mean that the teacher becomes redundant, abdicating his / her control over what is transpiring in the language learning process. As David Little (1995) points out, students don't become autonomous simply by being told mat they are now in charge of their own learning. Autonomous learning is not necessarily learning alone, it is not necessarily learning without a teacher.Learners need help to foster their autonomous learning ability. For this and other reasons the need for teachers will not decrease, but their roles, and the role of teaching in the learning process, will change (Abercrombie, 1981). In order to help Chinese College English teachers have a good understanding of the teacher's influence on learner autonomy, the author has investigated the teachers' cultural background, teachers' beliefs in LA, teaching methods and teaching practices in EFL class as well as teachers' role in the promotion of LA. The findings of this research show that as long as the teacher adopts autonomy-favoring teaching methods and employs various teaching practices aimed at fostering learner autonomy in their instruction, the students will become more autonomous in their EFL learning and gradually develop an autonomous learning habit, which can benefit them for a life time.The study of the teachers' influence on learner autonomy, which is rarely found in EFL teaching field, will be more helpful for EFL teachers to have a holistic and profound understanding of their roles in the promotion of EFL learner autonomy, and promote the development of LA in China. The research shows mat the teacher's bdiefe and practices relating to learner autonomy are vital in fostering learner...