An investigation into the relationships between learner autonomy, language engagement and academic achievement

Abstract

The current study, conducted at the Department of English Language and Literature, Karadeniz Technical University, is an attempt to investigate the relationships between learner autonomy, language engagement and academic achievement as measured by Grade Point Average (GPA).The sample in the study consists of 83 students including senior and junior students attending the Department of English Language and Literature at Karadeniz Technical University. 8 out of 83 students are selected to conduct interviews. The participants are selected through purposive sampling which is a part of non-probability sampling.This is a case study combining qualitative and quantitative research tradition. The data is collected via questionnaires and face-to-face interviews. In analyzing the data obtained via the semi-structured interviews, qualitative analysis is used and quantitative analysis is used in analyzing the data collected via the questionnaire. The SPSS 16.0 program is used in the analysis of the quantitative data. As for the qualitative analysis, content analysis is used to determine recurring themes.The study indicates that there are statistically significant relationships between learner autonomy, language engagement and academic achievement as measured by GPA. The nature of the correlations is positive. The strongest relationship occurs between language engagement and learner autonomy while the relationship between learner autonomy and academic achievement as measured by their GPAs and the relationship between language engagement and academic achievement are moderate. The findings obtained via the interviews are consistent with the findings obtained via the questionnaire.