Autonomy in language learning conference at the University of Nottingham 30th May 2008

On Friday 30th May 2008, the IATEFL LA SIG and the SWAN (Sheffield, Warwick and Nottingham Autonomy) Network held a joint conference at the University of Nottingham.

Our 8 speakers on the day were:

Dr Richard Smith (University of Warwick, UK)
Dr Zoltán Dörnyei (University of Nottingham, UK)
Felicity Kjisik (University of Helsinki, Finland)
Alex Ding (University of Nottingham, UK)
Sara Cotterall (Akita International University, Japan)
Dr Andy Barfield (Chuo University, Japan)
Dr Barbara Sinclair (University of Nottingham, UK)
Dr Ema Ushioda (University of Warwick, UK)

and we had 5 poster presenters:

Mona Aljehani (University of Sheffield, UK)
Anja Burkert (University of Graz, Austria)
Chien-Hsiang Chien (University of Sheffield, UK)
Carol Everhard (Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece)
Chika Hayashi (University of Nottingham, UK)

The day ended with a question and answer panel session. As a follow-up to the event, the questions for each speaker are listed below. To continue the discussion, please click on the "comment" button under each post to write your contribution.

Tuesday 3 June 2008

Autonomy: Before and after


Richard Smith (University of Warwick, UK)


Questions / comments / reflections for Richard
(When commenting, please indicate which number question/comment/reflection your comment refers to. The question asked during the Q&A panel session is shown in blue. Please also feel free to ask more questions!)

1. Would you say that students who prefer to be taught by their teachers traditionally (but they are the ones who come over to teachers and ask for direction) are autonomous?

2. What did you think of Zoltán's critique of autonomy? Is it just a question of terminology, i.e. are we all basically in agreement, or do you see a more fundamental problem with autonomy, as Zoltán seems to?

3. The term 'pro-autonomy practice' looks very promising...

4. It seems that the term 'agency' is used in the United States. Does this mean the US has different concept of the term 'learner autonomy' which is attributable to their historical background that is different from the European context?

5. I like the term 'pro-autonomy practice'. Is it yours?
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