Self-Determination Theory: A Proposed Framework for Self-Access Language Learning

The field of self-access language learning (SALL), which is an established way supporting learners outside the classroom through provision resources and spaces, spans more than five decades currently in a phase that Mynard (2019a) refers to as ‘basic psychological needs wellbeing’ phase. This turning point SALL wherein focus has shifted towards need for (more explicitly) facilitating autonomy-supportive environment classroom. supports learners’ autonomy, relatedness competence, such, aims provide conditions needed foster they can thrive grow psychologically healthy ways (Ryan & Deci, 2020). In this theoretical article, authors make case using self-determination theory (SDT; Deci Ryan, 1985; Ryan 2017) overarching framework future developments SALL. article gives overview four key support systems, showing how fulfil students’ basic needs. These systems are: advising learning; structured awareness raising; conversation lounges; interest-based, student-led communities.