Abstract
The study presents an examination of autonomous learning in the context of Chinese as a Foreign Language (CFL) in Hong Kong. This chapter posits that the introduction of innovation in CFL pedagogy development must be supported first by an understanding of learners’ autonomous learning ability. As CFL pedagogy has long been dominated by teacher-centered and textbook-driven approaches, there has been a lack of attention to learners’ perspectives. The chapter takes both an epistemological and practical enquiry into CFL learners’ perceptions, individual goals and self-directed methods in their study. To understand CFL learners’ autonomous learning, the study adopted an interview narrative research method, supplemented with documents review of their learning materials and course work. The chapter begins with a brief review of autonomous learning research and introduces its current development in CFL teaching and learning. From the analysis of interview data, five particular areas of interest were identified: learners’ perceptions of the Chinese language, the Chinese culture of learning, Chinese teachers, learning materials and a community of learning. The chapter ends with practical suggestions to help teachers and learners foster a learning-centered culture and effective CFL education through autonomous learning.
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Appendix 1
Appendix 1
Probing Questions
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1.
Can you please tell me about your experience of learning Chinese?
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2.
What is your goal of learning Chinese?
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3.
How do you like learning Chinese in Hong Kong?
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4.
What do you do if you find the environment provides little exposure?
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5.
Do you think you are a successful Chinese learner? Why or why not?
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6.
What do you think about the Chinese language?
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7.
What was your impression of the Chinese language?
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8.
Do you agree or disagree that Chinese is the most difficult language to learn?
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9.
Do you prefer to study with a teacher or by yourself? Why?
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10.
How do you like the learning materials? Would they help you study by yourself?
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11.
How different is the learning of Chinese from your prior experience of learning another foreign language, for example, French or Spanish?
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12.
How do you like the Chinese courses you took in Hong Kong?
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13.
How do you like your Chinese teachers?
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14.
How do you like their teaching methods?
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15.
How well do you deal with the difference of teaching styles?
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16.
What do you think they can do to teach more effectively?
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17.
Can you please tell me a few learning strategies that you think are very helpful?
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18.
How do you like digital technologies? Do you use them for learning Chinese?
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19.
Could you introduce me a few good software/applications that you would recommend to other students?
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20.
Would you like to continue in this program? Why?
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Wang, D. (2016). Fostering Effective CFL Education Through Autonomous Learning: Learners’ Perspectives. In: Moloney, R., Xu, H. (eds) Exploring Innovative Pedagogy in the Teaching and Learning of Chinese as a Foreign Language. Multilingual Education, vol 15. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-287-772-7_4
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-287-772-7_4
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