Reforming the Foreign Language Classroom: Empowering Learners to Take Ownership

How can language teachers create classrooms where students truly take ownership of their learning? Reforming the Foreign Language Classroom: Empowering Learners to Take Ownership explores this question through powerful examples of theory-informed practice and classroom innovation. Inspired by the pioneering work of Leni Dam and her collaborators, the book calls for a fundamental rethinking of language education, one that supports learner autonomy, inclusion, and intrinsic motivation. Drawing on international research and real-world classroom stories, it demonstrates that reform is not only necessary but already happening across diverse contexts.

This volume brings together leading voices in language education to examine what it takes to empower learners and teachers alike. The chapters address autonomy from multiple perspectives: understanding the learner’s agency, supporting teachers in fostering autonomy, and showcasing practical, autonomy-supportive classroom models. Whether you are a teacher, researcher, or policymaker, this book provides both inspiration and concrete guidance for transforming the foreign language classroom into a space where every learner can grow with confidence, creativity, and purpose.