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

The reflections of the autonomous language learner



Felicity Kjisik (University of Helsinki, Finland)


Questions / comments / reflections for Felicity
(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. Can you talk more about the "extra dimension" of language learning/life experience, e.g. "the imaginative self" and particularly ways of encouraging learners to access and write about that aspect of their experience?

2. Are there ethical considerations regarding students' input of reflections/expressions and the peer comments? Will students be unwilling to share/reveal their real concerns because they will be read by their peers?

3. I was surprised to know that form of language is emphasised in Finland because social constructivism is the norm of education there. In fact, Japan, (where I come from), we now pay attention to Finnish education as we regard them as the most successful country in education (because of their highest score in International PISA), and more than 500 people visit there to interview and observe teachers and students each year.
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