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Classroom-oriented Research pp 289–301Cite as

Triangulation in Researching Autonomy: A Post-Research Analysis

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Part of the book series: Second Language Learning and Teaching ((SLLT))

Abstract

Promoted by the CEFR and implemented as an element of curricular objectives in many countries, learner autonomy has become a buzz word in foreign language teaching and learning. Due to its multi-faceted nature, there have been numerous attempts to formulate a comprehensive definition embracing various aspects of this construct. This multidimensionality poses a problem for researchers trying to observe the emergence of changes in learner autonomy. If autonomy is to be investigated, then the first step should be to establish which aspects of this construct we are really interested in. This article aims to analyze the benefits as well as challenges of implementing methodological triangulation in research devoted to measuring learner autonomy. The main emphasis will be placed on the role of qualitative instruments as valuable alternatives to the prevalence of quantitative tools. It is hoped that the conclusions will provide useful guidelines on researching this construct in the future. The discussion will be based on a study conducted in order to establish the impact of different self-assessment methods on the level of autonomy in lower secondary school learners in a selected educational context. The data collected during a one-year quasi-experiment was based on both qualitative (classroom observations and interviews) and quantitative (a questionnaire) instruments. The analysis of the emerging autonomous behaviors was performed in reference to seven aspects of learner autonomy selected for the purposes of this research.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of Wrocław, Wrocław, Poland

    Anna Czura

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  1. Anna Czura
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Correspondence to Anna Czura .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. , Zakład Filologii Angielskiej, Adam Mickiewicz University, ul. Nowy Świat 28-30, Kalisz, 62-800, Wielkopolskie, Poland

    Mirosław Pawlak

  2. , Zakład Filologii Angielskiej, Adam Mickiewicz University, Nowy Swiat 28-30, Kalisz, 62-800, Wielkopolskie, Poland

    Jakub Bielak

  3. , Zakład Filologii Angielskiej, Adam Mickiewicz University, ul. Nowy Swiat 28-30, Kalisz, 62-800, Wielkopolskie, Poland

    Anna Mystkowska-Wiertelak

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Czura, A. (2014). Triangulation in Researching Autonomy: A Post-Research Analysis. In: Pawlak, M., Bielak, J., Mystkowska-Wiertelak, A. (eds) Classroom-oriented Research. Second Language Learning and Teaching. Springer, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-00188-3_19

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