JASAL Forum at JALT 2012 Satoko Kato & Hisako Yamashita

1. Propel “self-access” into the mainstream of language learning:Integrated learning resources to introduce learner autonomy in everyday life JASAL Forum at JALT 2012 Satoko Kato & Hisako Yamashita

2. About us • Learning Advisors • Self-access Learning Center • Kanda Institute of Foreign Languages • Professional Development: Providing training to non-experienced/experienced advisors. • Research & Publication

3. VISTA Learning Center

4. English proficiency:Japan is second from the bottom! Japan was ranked 58th out of 59 countries for English proficiency. Japan “World Competitiveness Yearbook 2011” by the International Institute for Management Development (IMD)

5. What is missing? Intelligence? English Teachers? Learning materials? Language schools? Money to invest? Time to study?

6. Quest for the missing bits 8 years of experience as Learning Advisors. 4000 advising sessions. A variety of research.

7. The key elements we found out through advising sessions + Help students develop good learning habits by “redefining” the value of learning. Skills to control one’s own learning Metacognitive awareness Reflective skills as a language learner

8. “Self-access” into the mainstream of language learning Language Learners in Society Academic Circle Conferences Teachers/ Researchers Schools/ universities Academic Circle SAC SAC

9. How can we spread the concept of self-directed learning? Something which is…. Accessible to anyone (students, adult language learners, business people, etc.). Easy to use without an instructor. Helpful to users to become self-directed language learners.

10. The issues language learners face • Give up on learning easily. • Donot know what works well for them. • Feel that there is not enough time to study. • Cannot find learning materials which suit them. • Cannot develop good learning habits. • Learning English is just a pain.

11. The process we go through in advising sessions Preparation Raising awareness towards language learning In Action Putting your plan into action and developing learning habits Energy Charge Going back to basics, refreshing yourself, moving forward Achievements Visualizing your achievements and continuing your learning Reflection Making sure you are satisfied with the whole learning process

12. How can learners go through the process without an advisor? Develop an effective learning cycle Develop good learning habits Go through the self-reflective process Improve English skills Acquire Learning management skills

13. The English Learning Planner (ELP):Integrated learning resource Website Day Planner Booklet

14. Preparation Raising awareness towards language learning In Action Putting your plan into action and developing learning habits

15. Monthly Theme of the ELP

16. Monthly Schedule Monthly Topic & Goals Achievements of the Month Activity for the Month

17. Weekly Schedule Monthly & Weekly Goals Mini Diary Weekly Column Motivational Quotes

18. Task Calendar

19. Classroom learning resources The ELP can be used as supplementary material for classroom teaching. At KIFL, 700+ students are going to take a self-directed language learning course by using the ELP as supplementary material. Further research will be conducted to follow-up how the users developed over the period of 12 months.

20. Propel self-directed learning and the concept of self-access into the mainstream society government schools language learners Academic Circle Interests SAC Support Need

21. English proficiency:Let’s aim for number 1 ! Now, Japan is ranked 1st out of 59 countries for English proficiency!!! Japan

22. The English Learning Planner 2013 Satoko Kato satokokat@gmail.com Hisako Yamashita hisakoyamashita@gmail.com

25. Characteristics of successful language learners • Know what is best for themselves. • Can effectively use one’s learning methods. • Have the skills to solve language learning issues. • Have the ability to reflect on their learning. • Have high awareness of their learning processes. • Have good learning habits. • Can manage their motivation and time. Key word is “Metacognitive awareness”