Explorando las percepciones de los estudiantes sobre el aprendizaje del inglés en una universidad pública* Patricia Kim Jiménez patricia.jimenez@uptc.edu.co Universidad Pedagógica y Tecnológica de Colombia, Tunja, ColombiaThis manuscript reports the final findings of an exploratory, descriptive case study that aimed at exploring the perceptions of a group of English as a foreign language students in a public university regarding their English learning and the commitment level through the process. A questionnaire, a survey, and the teacher's diary were the instruments used to gather data. The results showed the way the participants study and learn English, their most common learning styles and study strategies. Additionally, they revealed some students' low levels of commitment and autonomy, and some indifference as regards English, too.Key words: Autonomy, commitment, learning styles, students' perceptions, study strategies.Este artículo reporta los hallazgos finales de un estudio de caso, descriptivo y exploratorio que pretendía investigar las percepciones de un grupo de estudiantes de inglés como lengua extranjera en una universidad pública, respecto al aprendizaje del inglés y al nivel de compromiso durante el proceso. Los instrumentos utilizados para recolectar información fueron un cuestionario, una encuesta y el diario del profesor. Los resultados muestran la forma como los participantes estudian y aprenden inglés, sus estilos de aprendizaje y estrategias de estudio más comunes. Adicionalmente, revelaron bajos niveles de compromiso y autonomía de algunos estudiantes y también cierta indiferencia por el inglés.Palabras clave: autonomía, estilos de aprendizaje, estrategias de estudio, percepción de los estudiantes. IntroductionThe research began based on a generalized concern of the English teachers at the Language Institute belonging to the Colombian public university where the study took place; it regards the increase of students' dropout rate and poor academic performance in English. It was very worrying to notice the alarming average of students who failed (70%) and around 50% of students dropped out, on average. The main objective of the study was to find out how undergraduate students could become more effective learners and how they could improve their performance. The study focused on exploring and analyzing their study strategies, strengths, weaknesses, learning styles, and degree of commitment.Thus, through the descriptions done and the findings reported, the current paper also aims to achieve some changes through critical reflection by both actors, teachers and students, since all participants in teaching-learning processes should become involved in the construction of more significant learning experiences. Furthermore, as highlighted by Jiménez (2015), students' commitment plays a fundamental role in the transformation of education. Jiménez states that didactic materials and classroom activities are very important when learning a foreign language; however, learners' attitude is the most crucial.T...