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

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

VISTA Learning Center

“World Competitiveness Yearbook 2011” by the International Institute for Management Development (IMD) English proficiency: Japan is second from the bottom! Switzerland Luxemburg Holland 6 Singapore India Philippines Hong Kong Malaysia Taiwan South Korea 41 China 58 Japan was ranked 58 th out of 59 countries for English proficiency. Japan

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

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

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

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

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.

Give up on learning easily. Do not 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. The issues language learners face

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

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

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

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

Monthly Theme of the ELP 2013 JanuaryEmbedding learning into daily life FebruarySetting goals MarchTaking action AprilRevisiting your goals MayMotivation JuneImportance of reflection JulyTime Management AugustSkills for continuous learning SeptemberLooking from different perspectives OctoberBecoming a good listener NovemberPositive thinking and putting things into action DecemberReflecting on the Year 2013

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

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

Task Calendar

 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. Classroom learning resources

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

English proficiency: Let’s aim for number 1 ! Switzerland Luxemburg Holland 6 Singapore India Philippines Hong Kong Malaysia Taiwan South Korea 41 China 58 Now, Japan is ranked 1 st out of 59 countries for English proficiency !!! Japan

The English Learning Planner 2013 Satoko Kato Hisako Yamashita

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”