Perceptions and Practices of Learner Autonomy in the Department of English at the University of Petra

This study was conducted in the English Department at Petra University, in Amman, Jordan seeks to look into students‟ and teachers‟ perceptions on learner autonomy. The study aimed to find out to what extent learner autonomy is fostered or practiced in that specific context. This study more specifically attempted to find out the perceptions and practices of the instructors and the students regarding learner autonomy. This is a case study which follows a descriptive method, it adopts a mixed- method approach to research where quantitative and qualitative data are gathered via student and instructor questionnaires and instructor interviews. The number of participants in this study is 76 undergraduate learners and 8 educators in the English Department in Petra University in Amman. The outcomes of the research study reveal that the students and the instructors shared positive beliefs bout learner autonomy. Also, both groups of participants encouraged the involvement of learners in decision taking about their learning. In general, the instructors thought that the students have the required skills to develop autonomy and turn out to be autonomous. However, they claimed that it is not feasible to make students take part in decisions regarding all aspects of their learning for example, the time and place of the lesson, the materials used and the course content. Additionally, both the students‟ and the instructors‟ perceptions about learner autonomy were found to be positive, but in terms of the feasibility of learner autonomy in their Department the students expressed different opinions from their instructors: while they found it feasible to promote autonomy in their Department, their instructors felt it was not feasible. Finally, the instructors indicated that they always attempt to encourage and promote autonomy in their courses. They stated various ways of doing so, such as making their learners explore, discover, learn and search for themselves and engaging them in group discussions, debates on the topics they choose or find interesting. Keywords: Learner Autonomy, Autonomous Learners, Desirability, Feasibility, traits.