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Learning agency in new learning environments : An Australian case study of the influence of context
Book chapter   Peer reviewed

Learning agency in new learning environments : An Australian case study of the influence of context

Hitendra K Pillay, John A Clarke and Peter G Taylor
Managing Learning in Virtual Settings : The Role of Context, pp.236-252
Information Science Pub.
2006

Abstract

Other Education learning agency learning environment reciprocal learning HERN
The Bandurian concept of learner agency was originally embedded in a paradigm where behaviour, self and environment influenced each other significantly. However, evolution of the concept has focused almost exclusively on individuals as the locus of agency ignoring the potential contribution of context. It is argued that learning environments should be considered truly reciprocal with individuals through mutual and iterative influence by contextual elements and by individual learners. It is postulated that learner agency be broadened to a more inclusive concept of learning agency. This concept is explored empirically with data collected on an e-learning university campus from 125 students about their approaches to learning, perceptions of their learning environments, and epistemological reflections on themselves as learners. Results indicate that students' behaviour cannot be explained by individual characteristics but by the influences of the technology-rich learning environment and peers, suggesting that individuals' approach to learning arises from mutual interactions between individual and contextual agency.

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