Non-Language-Major Students' Autonomy in Learning English in Vietnam

• Published in: Arab world English journal Vol. 11; no. 3; pp. 184 - 192
• Main Authors: Thi Ngoc Nguyen, Cam, Nguyen, Tu Thi
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Arab World English Journal 01.09.2020
• Subjects: College Faculty; English (Second Language); Foreign Countries; Goal Orientation; Nonmajors; Personal Autonomy; Second Language Learning; Teacher Role; Vietnam
• ISSN: 2229-9327; 2229-9327
• DOI: 10.24093/awej/vol11no3.11

The English language is one of the international languages used for communication and learning worldwide. In Vietnam, English is taught as a second language in schools from elementary to advanced levels. In learning a certain foreign language, the autonomy of learners has become a vital subject for the past 30 years. This research surveys the autonomy of non-language-major-students in learning English in Ho Chi Minh City University of Education. The quantitative research method uses descriptive statistics and T-test. A group of 258 students (61 males and 197 females) took part in answering two questionnaires on learners' autonomy in learning English and the roles of lecturers and students in developing learner-autonomy in learning English. The results showed that the students were not familiar with the term "learning autonomy." However, students were aware that they played a fundamental role in improving this ability. They also believed that the lecturers determined their English learning process. Thence, we propose solutions for the non-language-majors to improve their autonomy in learning English.