Paper Title
ENGLISH-MAJORED STUDENTS’ SELF-DIRECTED LEARNING IN VIRTUAL LEARNING ENVIRONMENT

Abstract
Abstract - Self directed learning plays a vital role in the process of language learning, especially when students were isolated at home for immediate online learning due to strict social distance in COVID-19 time. The paper presents part of a study which investigated English-majored students’ self directed learning in the virtual learning environment in Vietnam. The study applied the sequential mixed method with the questionnaire and the semi-structured interviewas the instruments. The number of participants was 706 English-majored students who experienced the first semester of the academic year 2021-2022 learning online. The findings reveal that students have generally good abilities to self-direct their studies though they have to confront negative feelings like boredom, and tiredness. Based on findings, implications such as clear goals of the subjects, guidance from teachers as well as teaching strategies to deal students’ negative feelings are suggested to enhance students’ ability to self-direct. Keywords - Self-directed learning; Online learning; English-majored students; Teaching strategies