Abstract

The importance and necessity of cultivating the ability of autonomous learning has been proved for many years. However, at primary English classes, students’ autonomous learning ability is still not enough. Compulsory Education Curriculum Standards (2016 Edition) suggested that the teachers should cultivate students’ autonomous learning ability. Based on it, this research was put forward to students at a primary school in studying English autonomous ability.

The research test was done in a primary school, the Experimental School Attached to Sichuan Normal University. It aimed at investigating the current situation of autonomous learning ability and find the factors that affect students’ autonomous learning. The research methods that the author used are questionnaires for students from Grade four and interviews for teachers from Grade four and Grade five. The results of questionnaire shows that more students in Grade four are weak in autonomous learning while a few of others are in better condition especially on autonomous reading, and multi-media like application can be a good choice for students when they are having autonomous learning. The results of interview shows that teachers need to pay more attention to arranging the assignment in autonomous leaning, and provide more guidance to develop students’ autonomous learning ability.

Therefore, Teachers and parents need to give students enough help and guidance of autonomous learning to keep the learning environment is suitable. Parents are encouraged to provide the external material like books for cultivating children’s learning interest. Other external factors are also worth choosing to promote students’ autonomous learning, such as multi-media material and applications.

Key Words：Autonomous Learning; Guidance; Monitor

Contents

Abstract

摘要

1. Introduction-6

2. Literature Review-8

2.1 The Definition of Autonomous Learning-8

2.2 Review of the Previous Studies of Autonomous Learning-9

2.2.1 The Research of Autonomous Learning in Foreign Countries-9

2.2.2 The Research of Autonomous Learning in China-11

3. Methodology-13

3.1 Research Questions-13

3.2 Participants-13

3.3 Research methods-14

3.3.1 Questionnaire-14

3.3.2 Interview-15

3.4 Procedures-16

3.4.1 Questionnaires for Students-16

3.4.2 Interview for Teachers-17

4. Findings and Discussion-18

4.1 The Characteristics of Primary Students’ English Autonomous Learning-18

4.1.1 Students Need Guidance during Their Autonomous Learning-18

4.1.2 Students are Lack of Autonomous Learning’s Methods-20

4.1.3 Other Characteristics of Primary Students' English Autonomous Learning Compared with Those in Middle School-20

4.2 The Difficulties of Primary Students' English Autonomous Learning-21

4.3 The Factors Affecting Students' English Autonomous Learning-22

5. Conclusion-23

5.1 Major Findings-23

5.2 Limitations of the Research-23

5.3 Suggestions for Further Research-24

Appendix-24

Appendix 1-24

Appendix 2-27

Bibliography-27

Acknowledgements-29