This study investigates the application of machine translation (MT) in an EFL writing class and its impact on lower proficiency level writers. Theoretically grounded in the social nature of learning, the MT-based writing class is applied to students in four steps: planning, drafting with MT, revising MT output, and individual writing with MT. The…

Educational institutions are placing increased value on language tandems owing to the language development opportunities they offer for learners of modern languages. Where these learners lack autonomous language learning strategies, however, the results can be disappointing, with limited linguistic development taking place. This paper reports on…

In TESOL teacher mentoring, giving advice can be conceptualized as a continuum, ranging from directive to facilitative feedback. The goal, over time, is to lead toward the facilitative end of the continuum and specifically to catalytic interventions that encourage self-reflection and autonomous learning. This study begins by examining research on…

Posters, either as promotions by various ELT publishing houses or prepared by ELT teachers and students, are widely used on the walls of many foreign language classrooms. Many of them consist of colourful pictures along with L2 vocabulary, grammar, and texts in order to contribute to the foreign language learning process. However, many ELT…

A limitation of extensive reading programmes is the time required for progress in vocabulary acquisition. This paper reports on a qualitative exploration of student perceptions of the value of non-compulsory comic books in ESL elementary and upper-intermediate level courses at a tertiary institution. We aimed to develop supplementary materials…

This paper reports on a study which examined students' attitudes to learning grammar in autonomous contexts and their preferences for the learning materials with which to do so. In all, 38 students were surveyed and 13 of these then spent some time working in a language resource centre (LRC) with web- and paper-based materials. Students then…

When learners spend a period of time in the L2 community, as students on exchange programmes, as immigrants, or even on holiday, they are surrounded by listening opportunities that are far more varied and numerous than those of the classroom. Drawing on learner data from Erasmus and Study Abroad students on placement at a UK university, this paper…

This paper reports on establishing and running a Self-Access Centre (SAC) in a secondary school in Hong Kong. The impetus for establishing the SAC came from new government curriculum guidelines with a focus on promoting greater autonomy for school students in their English language education. The approach taken in establishing the SAC was to…

This interview focuses on the qualities and characteristics of autonomous learners, the related concept of learner training, and self-assessment. (Contains eight references.) (JL)

Discusses two parallel processes at work that are upgrading the role of the learner and downgrading that of the teacher. The article examines the reactions of teachers to this situation. The article concludes that improved training for second-language teachers is required to address the problems arising from this situation. (CK)

Argues that fostering learner autonomy is an important and appropriate goal in language course design, but that principles to guide the design of such courses are currently lacking. Proposes five course design principles for language courses that seek to promote learner autonomy. (Author/VWL)

Reflecting on the experience of creating a university self-access center in Cambodia, this paper challenges the idea that individual autonomy is a necessary goal in self-access. It proposes ideas for self-access design that offer the prospect of a more friendly environment to learners whose culture and upbringing may predispose them against…

This survey considers recent publications relating to autonomy in language learning. Publications are grouped in three categories: collections of articles about autonomy in language learning and research studies in the field; books intended as practical guides; collections of materials or tasks intended to inspire practitioners of autonomy in…

As one element of a self-directed learning program at the Arabian Gulf University in Bahrain, students make a contribution to the self-access center (SAC) in the form of a language learning worksheet or other English-enhancing activity. The student contributions are evaluated by other students and added to the SAC materials banks. This initiative…

Describes a series of interviews with Japanese speakers of English-as-a-second-language focusing on their uses of English and their life-style characteristics outside Japan. Results support current research indicating that successful language learners apply specific strategies to the task of learning. (Author/DJD)