Department of English, Faculty of Humanities, Imam Khomeini International University, Qazvin, Iran
10.22099/tesl.2025.53432.3421
Abstract
The study of EFL in Iran reveals complex challenges faced by both teachers and learners, particularly in fostering learner autonomy. This study employed a qualitative design, embracing characteristics of a case study to explore the dichotomous educational environment between state schools and private language institutes. The sample comprised 13 EFL learners and 17 EFL teachers, selected through stratified sampling to ensure diverse representation from various educational settings. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews aimed at investigating personal experiences and challenges in fostering autonomy in language learning and strategies used by teachers and experienced by learners. Thematic analysis was employed to identify recurrent themes related to such challenges and strategies. The paper discusses the institutional, teacher-related, and learner-related factors that might hinder autonomy in language acquisition and underscores the necessity of a systemic approach to educational reform to cultivate a culture of independence and motivation among learners. Recommendations for curriculum development and enhanced teaching practices are presented to benefit the EFL landscape in Iran.
Nasiri, A. , Zarei, A. Ali and Esfandiari, R. (2025). Challenges and Barriers Associated with Learner Autonomy in Public and Private EFL Education in Iran: An In-Depth Analysis. Teaching English as a Second Language Quarterly, (), -. doi: 10.22099/tesl.2025.53432.3421
MLA
Nasiri, A. , , Zarei, A. Ali, and Esfandiari, R. . "Challenges and Barriers Associated with Learner Autonomy in Public and Private EFL Education in Iran: An In-Depth Analysis", Teaching English as a Second Language Quarterly, , , 2025, -. doi: 10.22099/tesl.2025.53432.3421
HARVARD
Nasiri, A., Zarei, A. Ali, Esfandiari, R. (2025). 'Challenges and Barriers Associated with Learner Autonomy in Public and Private EFL Education in Iran: An In-Depth Analysis', Teaching English as a Second Language Quarterly, (), pp. -. doi: 10.22099/tesl.2025.53432.3421
CHICAGO
A. Nasiri , A. Ali Zarei and R. Esfandiari, "Challenges and Barriers Associated with Learner Autonomy in Public and Private EFL Education in Iran: An In-Depth Analysis," Teaching English as a Second Language Quarterly, (2025): -, doi: 10.22099/tesl.2025.53432.3421
VANCOUVER
Nasiri, A., Zarei, A. Ali, Esfandiari, R. Challenges and Barriers Associated with Learner Autonomy in Public and Private EFL Education in Iran: An In-Depth Analysis. Teaching English as a Second Language Quarterly, 2025; (): -. doi: 10.22099/tesl.2025.53432.3421
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