The results show that the concept of learner autonomy is still alien to both the students and the teachers although the former do want to change their current learning situation. The study suggests that autonomous learning be incorporated in the students’ language curriculum. | VNU Journal of Science, Foreign Languages 27 (2011) 41-52 Language learners’ and teachers’ perceptions relating to learner autonomy Are they ready for autonomous language learning? Nguyen Thanh Van* School of Graduate Studies, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, 144 Xuan Thuy, Cau Giay, Hanoi, Vietnam Received 12 February 2011 Abstract. Autonomous learning has already established itself as the key element to language learning for almost three decades, but the concept just received serious attention in the context of Vietnam three years ago when certain colleges and universities started to apply the credit-based system in education. Given the circumstance, this study investigated into how non-English majored undergraduates and graduates perceived their responsibility and ability related to autonomous learning of the language and into the students’ autonomous learning activities in and off class. The results show that the concept of learner autonomy is still alien to both the students and the teachers although the former do want to change their current learning situation. The study suggests that autonomous learning be incorporated in the students’ language curriculum. Keywords: Learner Autonomy, autonomous belief, autonomous behavior, credit-based system, responsibility, ability, activity. 1. Introduction* than otherwise to master the full range of discourse roles on which effective spontaneous communication depends”. With this favourable view toward autonomy, this study is set to find out whether university students in Vietnam are familiar with autonomous learning by investigating into their perceptions of responsibilities, abilities and activities concerning learner autonomy. Learner autonomy is a relatively new concept in the context of Vietnam. Vietnamese researchers (Trinh Quoc Lap, [9]; Nguyen Thi Cam Le, [10], [11]; Dang Tin Tan, [12]; Nguyen Minh Hue, [13]) have started to take interest in this area as more and more universities all over the .
