STUDENTS’ ACCOUNT ON LEARNING INDEPENDENCE IN ONLINE EFL CLASSROOM

Abstract

The spark of online learning implementation in nowadays education partly appears to be one of the impacts of Covid-19 pandemic. School from home through various platforms, applications, and other technological devices replaces face-to-face real classroom learning activities. However, even if some people can locate online learning or courses as both convenient and accessible, it brings challenges and requires readiness in some aspects, including students’ competence in working independently. Roper (2007) and Sumbawati et.al (2020) probe that students' independence plays an important role through the system of online learning as it helps students to achieve good learning goals and outcomes. The present research, therefore, is interested in examining students’ perception of their own independence in online EFL learning. It involved 152 students of a public Senior High School in Kalimantan. This research applied a survey technique, and the data are both quantitative and qualitative analyzed. The instrument used in this research comprises a set of questionnaires adapted from Marfu’ah (2020), Sumarmo (2013), and Sam et al. (2012) embracing 8 indicators of independent learning which are subsequently elaborated in 32 statements. Those eight indicators encompass 1) student learning initiative; 2) diagnosing learning needs; 3) setting learning targets; 4) viewing difficulties as challenges; 5) utilizing and finding other relevant sources; 6) choosing and implementing learning strategies; 7) evaluating the learning outcome process; 8) owning self-efficacy. The research result shows that the student's perception of their own independent learning is positive. It implies that they perceive themselves to be autonomous during the conduct of their online learning, particularly in the aforementioned eight areas. Through this study, students are expected to be more motivated, independent, confident, and be able to explore further their abilities to achieve independence in learning. Furthermore, this study will hopefully make teachers aware of the importance of encouraging the students to be more independent and responsible for their own learning.