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Assessing Learner Autonomy: Development and Validation of a Localized Scale

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Innovation in Language Learning and Teaching

Part of the book series: New Language Learning and Teaching Environments ((NLLTE))

Abstract

With the inclusion of learner autonomy as an educational objective in many educational programs around the world, it is becoming increasingly important to be able to measure to what extent different interventions are successful. Although some general tests exist, we argue in this chapter for the need to develop localized instruments that are culturally appropriate, educationally relevant, and that are based on pedagogical principles shared by the staff and students in the particular context. Specifically, we describe the creation of a scale for measuring learner autonomy at a university in China. We detail the process of its development, from initial conception through to rigorous psychometric validation. In doing so, we will share some of the lessons learned and discuss some of the implications for scale developers and educational practitioners in other contexts.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Anhui Jianzhu University, Hefei Shi, China

    Lilan Lin

  2. Unitec, Auckland, New Zealand

    Hayo Reinders

Authors
  1. Lilan Lin
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  2. Hayo Reinders
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Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Education, Unitec Institute of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand

    Hayo Reinders

  2. University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong

    David Nunan

  3. Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, Suzhou, China

    Bin Zou

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© 2017 The Author(s)

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Lin, L., Reinders, H. (2017). Assessing Learner Autonomy: Development and Validation of a Localized Scale. In: Reinders, H., Nunan, D., Zou, B. (eds) Innovation in Language Learning and Teaching. New Language Learning and Teaching Environments. Palgrave Macmillan, London. https://doi.org/10.1057/978-1-137-60092-9_14

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1057/978-1-137-60092-9_14

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  • Publisher Name: Palgrave Macmillan, London

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-137-60091-2

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-137-60092-9

  • eBook Packages: Social SciencesSocial Sciences (R0)

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