Promoting Learner Autonomy in Language Classrooms (Joint seminar with Centre for Language Studies)

Abstract
Learner autonomy can be understood as a mode of learning in which learners take initiative and control. The importance of the promotion of learner autonomy in language programs has long been recognised although the recognition did not necessarily resulted in practice.  One place where teachers and learners can participate in decision making is on classroom learning tasks. In this presentation, I would discuss the basic understandings of learner autonomy. Using learn autonomy in classroom learning tasks as an example, I will further discuss common classroom tasks and ways to make small changes in order to promote learner autonomy. The discussion will focus on teacher roles, learner roles, and learning resources in order to see the shift in the control in the classrooms. If time allows, I would like to invite participants to create their own changes to the tasks they regularly use in their classrooms.

About the Speaker
Dr Chihiro Kinoshita Thomson is Associate Professor of Japanese Studies at the University of New South Wales in Sydney Australia. Prior to UNSW, she taught at NUS for four years. Her research interest includes learner autonomy in language learning, gender and Japanese language education and teacher training. She has published widely in such journals as Foreign Language Annals, Australian Review of Applied Linguistics, Sekai No Nihongo Kyouiku and other refereed journals. She is the Language and Linguistics Editor of Japanese Studies, a journal of the Japanese Studies Association of Australia.