Towards better self-directed learning of English in China

  • Baoyi Zheng

    Student thesis: Master's Thesis

    Abstract

    China’s open-door policy to the West has created a great demand for Chinese speakers of English. But the existing formal language institutions are far from enough to meet such a great need. Consequently, large numbers of people will have to learn English by themselves, self-directed to different extents, depending on the facilities available to them. There are also large numbers of potential self-directed learners who do not yet know where to start and how to tackle the task. Self-directed learning, either of English or of other subjects, has always played an important role in China as an alternative form of education. There have been many successful self-directed learners who have made remarkable contributions to the country in different fields. However, self-directed learning of English on a large scale is still a relatively new phenomenon. Some proper guidance and the learners’ awareness of the likely difficult areas will make the learning both more effective and more efficient. This study will attempt to examine the gradual change from teacher-centred teaching and learning to learner-centred teaching and learning and the development of self-directed learning. Then the study will try to provide information on some of the self-directed learning programmes . of interest to Chinese learners. Afterwards, the study will examine the basic needs and characteristics of Chinese self-directed learners. The greater part of this study will be devoted to the likely areas of difficulty of self-directed learners in China .and some possible ways to solve them. The last part will deal with study skills in self-directed learning and use of resources available.
    Date of Award1984
    Original languageEnglish

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