Developing Learner Autonomy in Vocabulary Learning in classroom: How and Why can it be Fostered?

Vocabulary learning is one of the most challenging issues that EFL learners face. In the past the learners depended on their teachers but new teaching methodologies encourage learner autonomy. At the university level, learners should become more autonomous in learning foreign language vocabulary and try to find different ways of how to become more successful learners. At the university level learners are forced to become autonomous and make conscious efforts to learn vocabulary outside of the classroom simply because exposure to target language is limited in university classes. Consequently, the autonomy of the learner play an important role in developing and enhancing their vocabulary. This paper aims at exploring the application of learner autonomy in the context of vocabulary learning for English language students. It also proposes the importance of learner's autonomy in vocabulary learning and learning strategies. Furthermore; it clarifies why teachers should enhance learner autonomy in vocabulary learning by exploring the role of both the teachers and learners, how teachers can promote learner autonomy in vocabulary learning and the expected effects of learner autonomy in vocabulary learning. (C) 2016 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.