The nature of language learning experiences beyond the classroom and its learning outcomes

Out-of-class language learning is of great importance to the theory and practice of autonomy and life-long language learning. Research in this field tells learners that not only what learners do in institutional settings, but also their out-of-class learning should fit into the broader orientation towards autonomy for life long language learning. Within this scope, the purpose of this study is to discover the nature of out-of-class language learning experiences of a group of Turkish university students and their contributions to learning outcomes in terms of language learning and personal development within the process of self-directing their language studies.