Sponsor
Portland State University. Department of Applied Linguistics
First Advisor
Tetyana Sydorenko
Term of Graduation
Winter 2025
Date of Publication
2-25-2025
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts (M.A.) in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
Department
Applied Linguistics
Language
English
Subjects
attitudes, autoethnography, L2 motivation, language learning
Physical Description
1 online resource (iv, 69 pages)
Abstract
It is well understood that attitudes toward language learning impact outcomes. This thesis uses autoethnography to explore the author's experiences learning German, in-class and independently, examining the interplay between motivation, attitudes, and the learning environment. I analyze personal journals and notes, employing graphic storytelling to illustrate their emotional journey. This paper draws upon existing literature on second language acquisition, particularly focusing on Dörnyei's L2 Motivational Self System and Ushioda's person-in-context approach. The study reveals how personal beliefs, self-doubt, and the limitations of traditional classroom settings impacted my motivation and ultimately, how reflection facilitated a renewed commitment to learning. In conclusion, I advocate for more learner-centered language instruction that prioritizes learner autonomy.
Rights
© 2025 Joshua Dickinson
In Copyright. URI: http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/ This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s).
Persistent Identifier
https://archives.pdx.edu/ds/psu/43189
Recommended Citation
Dickinson, Joshua, "Becoming a Learner: An Autoethnography" (2025). Dissertations and Theses. Paper 6795.
