The Relationship between Self-efficacy Beliefs and Autonomy among Iranian Intermediate and Upper Intermediate EFL Learners

Azar Mojoudi ,Omind Tabatabaei

doi:10.7575/aiac.ijalel.v.3n.6p.22

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between self-efficacy beliefs and autonomy among Iranian intermediate and upper intermediate EFL learners. To this end, after conducting Oxford Placement Test (OPT), 84 Iranian EFL learners at both intermediate and upper intermediate levels of English language proficiency were selected. Then, a 28-item autonomy questionnaire and a 34-item self-efficacy questionnaire were administrated. In order to understand the relationship between self-efficacy and autonomy among intermediate EFL learners which is the first aim of this study, a quantitative method of data analysis procedure was conducted which falls under the category of correlational research. To do so, Pearson Correlation Coefficient was used. To figure out the same relationship between the mentioned values among upper intermediate EFL learners, the same procedure was followed. The results of the second research question indicated that there is a somehow strong correlation between the mentioned values among upper intermediate EFL learners. In addition, it was found that the mean score of the two variables is rather stronger among upper intermediate learners than the intermediate ones. At last, the findings of this study indicated that there is not a significant difference between the obtained correlation coefficients of intermediate and upper intermediate learners. By being aware of the importance of self-efficacy and autonomy in the area of language learning, and also the positive association between these values, language experts, teachers, and many learners will be guided toward the right direction in their track of teaching and learning.

Highlights

Nowadays, as the need for interaction among nations is increasing, the need for a common language for communication has been more profoundly felt
In order to find out the relationship between self-efficacy and autonomy among Iranian intermediate and upper intermediate EFL students, a sample of 112 students contributed to this study
To answer the first question, the data obtained from self-efficacy and autonomy questionnaires were processed

Summary

Introduction

As the need for interaction among nations is increasing, the need for a common language for communication has been more profoundly felt. Since language learning is a lifelong journey, this process should be autonomous and learners should find out how to be autonomous because there is not always a teacher available (Quinn, 1974, cited in Yalcin Tilfarlioglu & Seyma Ciftci, 2011). In recent years, it has been a matter of importance for many language experts and ESL teachers to find the ways to make language learners more autonomous. It has been a matter of importance for many language experts and ESL teachers to find the ways to make language learners more autonomous It is because of the great shift in language learning and teaching approaches. Learners are considered as the origin of information and researchers are seeking ways to identify the significance of training learners to be more autonomous (Yang, 1998, cited in Fahim&Behdani, 2011)

Objectives

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion