Includes bibliographical reference and index.

Part I: Autonomous Learners

Becoming Autonomous in an Asian Context: Autonomy as a Sociocultural Process / Phil Benson, Alice Chik and Hye-Yeon Lim

Changes in Chinese Students’ Learner Strategy Use after Arrival in the UK: a Qualitative Inquiry / Xuesong Gao

Learner Autonomy as Agency in Sociocultural Settings / Kelleen Toohey and Bonny Norton

Part II: Theoretical Perspectives

Toward a More Systematic Model of L2 Learner Autonomy / Rebecca L. Oxford

Self-Access as Access to ‘Self’: Cultural Variation in the Notions of Self and Personhood / Philip Riley

Social Autonomy: Addressing the Dangers of Culturism in TESOL / Adrian Holliday

Part III: Practical Interventions

Pedagogy for Autonomy as (Becoming-)Appropriate Methodology / Richard C. Smith

Autonomy in a Resource-Poor Setting: Enhancing the Carnivalesque / E.A. Gamini Fonseka

Neither Here Nor There? Learner Autonomy and Intercultural Factors in CALL Environments / Klaus Schwienhorst

Part IV: Institutions and Teachers

The Representation of Learner Autonomy and Learner Independence in Organizational Culture / David Palfreyman

Learning Cultures and Counselling: Teacher/ Learner Interaction within a Self-Directed Scheme / María de los Angeles Clemente

Addressing Constraints on Autonomy in School Contexts: Lessons from Working with Teachers / Flávia Vieira

Asserting Our Culture: Teacher Autonomy from a Feminist Perspective / Naoko Aoki with Yukiyo Hamakawa

download Richard C. Smith

Learner autonomy has recently become an influential concept in language education in many contexts world-wide. In this process, 'culture' has been frequently alluded to as an important variable, but often in a rather abstract way. Many unanswered questions remain as to the meaning and appropriateness of learner autonomy in different settings. This book provides a variety of research - and practice-based reports relating specifically to the idea of 'learner autonomy across cultures' - including national, institutional, small group and other types of culture. Contributors clarify both 'autonomy' and 'culture' with reference to practice in particular contexts, deriving insights also from a wide variety of background disciplines, from anthropology to feminist theory. In the process, they provide new insights into what learner autonomy means, whether it is appropriate, and how it can be feasibly enhanced in particular cultures.(Back over)