Exploring teachers strategies to promote self-study in EFL young learners.

Abstract

This research focuses on identifying the strategies used by teachers to promote self-study among young learners. It is important to highlight that classroom learning alone is not sufficient; therefore, students must engage in autonomous study at home to enhance their learning. However, the lack of resources, inadequate study environments, and limited parental support make it challenging to maintain consistent self-study. After reviewing the available evidence, several strategies applied by teachers were identified, such as the use of technological resources, games, and digital platforms. This study followed a qualitative and phenomenological research design, and data were collected through interviews with five teachers from Unidad Educativa Zenon Macias Vera and Unidad Educativa Maria Luisa Luque de Sotomayor. The findings reveal that the most effective strategies for promoting self-study include the use of digital platforms and online resources such as online quizzes, Kahoot, BBC Learning, and online games, as well as motivational and participatory strategies, autonomous support, and relevant tasks involving games. These strategies have helped young learners enhance their autonomous learning and build confidence in their ability to learn independently. Consequently, the study identified that the use of these strategies has an important significant in student motivation. Teachers also find these strategies useful because they provide guided feedback and supervision, resulting in positive outcomes in students’ academic performance and language acquisition. This research not only contributes valuable information to the field of education but also serves as a guide offering effective practices for educators and students seeking to improve self-study.