The Impact of the Dalton Plan-based Instruction on Learner Autonomy in Reading Among College English Course Learner in China

Abstract

This study explored the impact of the Dalton Plan-based instruction on learner autonomy in reading performance among learners in College English course in China. A quasi-experimental design was employed to reach the goal. The experiment was undertaken in one university characterized by students from multi-ethnic background. One second year College English (CE) course class with 16 students makes the experimental class, the other same level CE course class with 15 students composes the control class. The experimental class received the Dalton Plan-based instruction and the control class received conventional classroom instruction. All the participants are medical majors. The data were collected by utilising Autonomous Learning Scale (ALS)，students’ self-reports and semi-structured interview. The findings of this study revealed that Dalton Plan-based instruction was more effective in building learner autonomy compared to conventional instruction. Data from the analysis of the ALS indicated that the experimental group improved in study habits and independent learning. Additionally, findings from the students’ self-reports showed that the students in the experimental group experienced an increase in reading interest, a more regular reading habit, better emotional control, improvement in reading strategies and more adaptable to reading challenges. This research bears crucial pedagogical implications in that the Dalton Plan-based instruction may be considered as a good alternative to choose in the current College English (CE) course teaching and learning reform which highlights the importance of building student’s learner autonomy in their English learning.