UNVEILING LEARNER AUTONOMY: PERSPECTIVES OF UNIVERSITY STUDENTS IN ONLINE EDUCATION

Abstract

This study aims at exploring the perceptions and experiences of university students as to learner autonomy during the online education process. In the ever-evolving realm of higher education, the principle of learner autonomy has emerged as a fundamental tenet, empowering students to assume control of their learning. As traditional educational paradigms evolve upon the introduction online education into learning process, the concept of learner autonomy emerges as a cornerstone principle, fostering empowerment and self-directedness among students. Considering that university education is expected to prepare students for life, learner autonomy at higher education turns out to be a necessity rather than a preference. That’s why, what university students perceive and experience about learner autonomy is significant to understand the concept in detail. The current study employed a qualitative research method. The participants were chosen via purposeful sampling. The study group was composed of 16 university students who had experienced online education. Study data was collected though semi-structured interviews, and content analysis was used to analyze the gathered data. At the end of the study analysis, the five themes that emerged were online education experience, planning, receiving support, motivation, and ways to support and improve learner autonomy. In line with the study findings, we presented some suggestions for future research and practice.