Practical Tips on How to Promote Learner Autonomy In Foreign Language Classrooms

Autonomy is basically described as an individual's taking responsibility for his/her own learning and seen as one of the most significant features of life-long learning process today. Therefore modern language teaching approaches and innovations in this area have made language practitioners focus largely on the concept in educational setting in recent years. Main stream of the learner autonomy in the class mostly emanates from teacher and teacher behaviours. Therefore the role of autonomy-supportive teachers on mastering students' language learning is increasing in education day by day. As a result there is a great amount of interest and studies on learner and teacher autonomy in literature. This study is a literature review on autonomy-supportive language environments and teachers. By considering the related studies and comparing the features of autonomy-supportive and controlling language teaching atmospheres, and looking from the perspective of Self- Determination Theory, a modern motivation theory, the review aims to give some practical tips on how to promote learner autonomy and overcome learner reticence in foreign language classroom.