Learner autonomy, teacher authority and confucianism in language education: A Chinese perspective

Jinjin Lu*, Si Fan

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book or Report/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

Abstract

Learner autonomy is currently being stressed by the Ministry of Education (MOE) in China to improve students' independent learning capability in language education. On the one hand, the MOE required fostering Chinese students' ability in order to develop their autonomous learning capability. On the other hand, the MOE issued the document based on Eastern research instead of considering the Chinese context; thus, there are possible conflictions and challenges occurring in the current Chinese educational system. This chapter introduces the framework of the Chinese educational system and then moves to review the development of learner autonomy in the West and in China. Furthermore, it discusses the significant influence of teacher authority and Confucian heritage. Lastly, suggestions relating to bridging the gap between top universities and regular universities regarding adopting self-access learning centers are provided from a Chinese perspective.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationLinguistics and Language Education in New Horizons
Subtitle of host publicationThe Link between Theory, Research and Pedagogy
PublisherNova Science Publishers, Inc.
Pages333-345
Number of pages13
ISBN (Electronic)9781634828437
ISBN (Print)9781634828000
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2015
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Chinese educational system
  • Confucian heritage
  • Learner autonomy
  • Moe

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