English majors’ autonomous language learning beyond the classroom: A preliminary report

Abstract

This article reports a synthesis of partial findings of a survey as part of dissertation research exploring English language learners’ autonomous learning beyond the classroom in a Mekong-based higher education institution in Vietnam. Autonomous language learning occurs when learners initiate their language learning beyond the classroom. Twenty-three English majors and ten staff completed the online Google-form questionnaires. Data showed that just a small percentage of English majors engaged ALLBC to sharpen their language skills, few did so frequently, and other students never used ALLBC at all. Additionally, it was found that students chose to utilise translation apps rather than other language study apps, and they preferred to use campus libraries to those in their accommodations. However, the course books, which were required learning materials, were of little use in students' beyond-the-classroom language practice. Based on the findings, implications are drawn for conducting further research exploring English language learners’ autonomous learning beyond the classroom in the Vietnamese language learning environment.