| ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS | 第3-4页 |
| ABSTRACT | 第4-6页 |
| 摘要 | 第7-14页 |
| Chapter 1 Introduction | 第14-19页 |
| 1.1 Origin of the study | 第14-16页 |
| 1.2 Significance and aims of the study | 第16-17页 |
| 1.3 Structure of the thesis | 第17-19页 |
| Chapter 2 Literature Review | 第19-44页 |
| 2.1 The theory of Exploratory Practice | 第19-23页 |
| 2.1.1 Understanding Exploratory Practice | 第19-20页 |
| 2.1.2 Evolution of EP principles | 第20-23页 |
| 2.2 Topic-based learning | 第23-27页 |
| 2.2.1 Connotation and features of topic-based learning | 第24页 |
| 2.2.2 Theoretical bases and operating procedure of topic-based learning | 第24-26页 |
| 2.2.3 The relationship between Topic-based learning and EP | 第26-27页 |
| 2.3 Learner autonomy | 第27-39页 |
| 2.3.1 Definition of learner autonomy | 第27-32页 |
| 2.3.2 Means of fostering learner autonomy | 第32-36页 |
| 2.3.3 Ways to evaluate learner autonomy | 第36-37页 |
| 2.3.4 Relationship between topic-based learning and learner autonomy | 第37-39页 |
| 2.4 Relevant research on EP,topic-based learning,and LA | 第39-44页 |
| 2.4.1 Research on EP | 第39-40页 |
| 2.4.2 Research on topic-based learning | 第40-41页 |
| 2.4.3 Research on LA | 第41-44页 |
| Chapter 3 Research Methodology | 第44-54页 |
| 3.1 Research question | 第44页 |
| 3.2 Research participants | 第44-45页 |
| 3.3 Research instruments | 第45-47页 |
| 3.3.1 Questionnaire | 第45-46页 |
| 3.3.2 Interview | 第46页 |
| 3.3.3 Classroom observation | 第46-47页 |
| 3.4 Research procedure | 第47-48页 |
| 3.5 Application of topic-based learning guided by EP | 第48-54页 |
| Chapter 4 Results and Discussion | 第54-72页 |
| 4.1 Effectiveness of topic-based learning under EP on promoting students' LA | 第54-58页 |
| 4.1.1 Students' LA level before TL under EP | 第54-56页 |
| 4.1.2 Effectiveness of TL under EP on promoting students' LA | 第56-58页 |
| 4.2 Impacts of topic-based learning guided by EP on the four factors of LA | 第58-72页 |
| 4.2.1 Impacts on students' learning motivation | 第58-62页 |
| 4.2.2 Impacts on students' self-efficacy | 第62-66页 |
| 4.2.3 Impacts on students' meta-cognition strategies | 第66-68页 |
| 4.2.4 Impacts on students' learning strategy | 第68-72页 |
| Chapter 5 Conclusion | 第72-75页 |
| 5.1 Major findings | 第72-73页 |
| 5.2 Limitations | 第73-74页 |
| 5.3 Suggestions for further studies | 第74-75页 |
| REFERENCES | 第75-80页 |
| Appendices | 第80-99页 |
| Appendix 1 Questionnaire：大学英语自主学习能力调查问卷 | 第80-81页 |
| Appendix 2 自选话题小组评价表 | 第81-82页 |
| Appendix 3 Outline of interview | 第82-83页 |
| Appendix 4 Transcription of interview | 第83-86页 |
| Appendix 5 A sample of students' team report | 第86-92页 |
| Appendix 6 A sample of students' class presentation PPT | 第92-99页 |
| 攻读学位期间发表的学术文 | 第99-101页 |
