The self-access learning center (SALC) at KUIS has been offering courses designed to help learners understand how to manage their self-directed learning for some time. Throughout this time, we have been investigating the degree to which elements of the courses are effective for improving awareness of self-directed learning using various research approaches. In the coming years, we would like to expand our research to understand more about how/whether autonomous learning contributes to language proficiency and awareness of the learning process. If you are interested in joining one of our current projects, or proposing a related project, please get in touch.
Current research projects
An investigation into the relationship between success in self-directed language learning (SDLL) and SALC usage (SDLL_2017)
Jo Mynard, Neil Curry, Junko Noguchi, Yuri Imamura, Satoko Watkins, Kanda University of International Studies, Chiba
Hayo Reinders, Unitec, New Zealand
An investigation into the relationship between success in self-directed language learning (SDLL) and SALC usage
Research questions: (1) Do students exercise control over self-directed learning (SDL) skills (as defined by SALC learning outcomes) throughout their time at KUIS? (2) Does engagement with SALC services contribute to success in language learning? (indicated by test score increases) (3) Does engagement / lack of engagement with SALC services have an affect on attitudes about learning? If so, how?
Jo Mynard, Neil Curry, Junko Noguchi, Yuri Imamura, Satoko Watkins, Kanda University of International Studies, Chiba
Hayo Reinders, Unitec, New Zealand
An investigation into the relationship between success in self-directed language learning (SDLL) and SALC usage
Research questions: (1) Do students exercise control over self-directed learning (SDL) skills (as defined by SALC learning outcomes) throughout their time at KUIS? (2) Does engagement with SALC services contribute to success in language learning? (indicated by test score increases) (3) Does engagement / lack of engagement with SALC services have an affect on attitudes about learning? If so, how?
Evaluation of the tandem learning project (Tandem_16-19)
Satoko Watkins, Kanda University of International Studies, Chiba
A study investigating the tandem language learning project between KUIS students and students of Japanese at Hawaii Pacific University.
Satoko Watkins, Kanda University of International Studies, Chiba
A study investigating the tandem language learning project between KUIS students and students of Japanese at Hawaii Pacific University.
Publications related to autonomy and academic development
Barr, A., & Lyon, P. (2017). How to support students in selecting graded readers. Studies in Self-Access Learning Journal, 8(3), 247-254. Retrieved from https://sisaljournal.org/archives/sep2017/barr_lyon/
Carson, L. (2012). Developing a deeper understanding of learning processing during unguided complex learning tasks: Implications for language advising. Studies in Self-Access Learning Journal, 3(1), 6-23. Retrieved from http://sisaljournal.org/archives/march12/carson/
Curry, N., Mynard, J., Noguchi, J., & Watkins, S. (2017). Evaluating a self-directed language learning course in a Japanese university. International Journal of Self-Directed Learning, 14(1), 37-57. Retrieved from http://docs.wixstatic.com/ugd/dfdeaf_385a2e4d19254f968487b6058464e00c.pdf
Hasegawa, Y., & Thornton, K. (2014). Examining the perspectives of students on a self-directed learning module. In J. Mynard & C. Ludwig (Eds.), Autonomy in language learning: Tools, tasks and environments. Faversham, UK: IATEFL.
Lammons, E. (2013). Principles: Establishing the foundation for a self-access curriculum. Studies in Self-Access Learning Journal, 4(4), 353-366. Retrieved from http://sisaljournal.org/archives/dec13/lammons/
Lammons, E. (2013). Encouraging student evaluation of language learning resources. IATEFL 2012 Glasgow Conference Selections, pp. 51-53.
Lammons, E. (2014). Ongoing development: Pathways and challenges. Studies in Self-Access Learning Journal, 5(2), 173-177. Retrieved from http://sisaljournal.org/archives/june14/lammons/
McCarthy, T. M. (2011). Developing a classroom-based self-access learning course: A course evaluation. ELTWO Journal, volume 3. Retrieved from http://blog.nus.edu.sg/eltwo/2011/08/17/developing-a-classroom-based-self-access-learning-course-a-course-evaluation-2/
McCarthy, T. (2010). Integrating Project-based learning into a traditional skills-based curriculum to foster learner autonomy: an action research. The Journal of Kanda University of International Studies, 22, 221 – 244.
Morrison, B. R. (2011). The bespoke syllabus, objective setting and WIN analyses. Independence IATEFL Learner Autonomy SIG Newsletter 52, 16-18.
Morrison, B. R. (2011). On Self-directed learning modules for independent learning: IELTS exam preparation. Studies in Self-Access Learning Journal 2(2), 51-67. Retrieved from https://sisaljournal.org/archives/jun11/morrison/
Morrison, B. R. (2013). Learning behaviors: Subtle barriers in L2 learning. In J. Schwieter (Ed.). Studies and global perspectives of second language teaching and learning, pp. 69-89. Charlotte: Information Age Publishing.
Morrison, B.R. (2013). Creating diagnostic frameworks for supporting focused, effective, self-directed learning. In T. Pattison (Ed.). IATEFL 2012Conference Selections, pp. 47-49. Canterbury: IATEFL.
Morrison, B. R., & Navarro, D. (2014). The autonomy approach. UK: Delta.
Morrison, B. R. (2014). Self-directed language learning. English Teaching Professional 92, 4-7.
Mynard, J., Curry, N., Noguchi, J., & Watkins, S. (2017). Studying the impact of the SALC curriculum on learning. Studies in Linguistics and Language Teaching, 27, 45-58.
Mynard, J., & Stevenson, R. (2017). Promoting learner autonomy and self-directed learning: The evolution of a SALC curriculum. Studies in Self-Access Learning Journal, 8(2), 169-182. Retrieved from https://sisaljournal.org/archives/jun2017/mynard_stevenson/
Noguchi, J., & McCarthy, T. M. (2010). Reflective self-study: Fostering learning autonomy. In A. M. Stoke (Ed.), JALT 2009 conference proceedings (pp. 160-167). Retrieved from http://jalt-publications.org/archive/proceedings/2009/E116.pdf
Noguchi, J. (2014). Evaluating self-directed learning skills in SALC modules. Studies in Self-access Learning Journal, 5(2), 153-172. Retrieved from: http://sisaljournal.org/archives/june14/noguchi
Takahashi, K., Mynard, J., Noguchi, J., Sakai, A., Thornton, K., & Yamaguchi, A. (2013). Needs analysis: Investigating students’ self-directed learning needs using multiple data sources. Studies in Self-Access Learning Journal, 4(3), 208-218. Retrieved from http://sisaljournal.org/archives/sep13/takahashi_et_al
Thornton, K. (2012). Evaluating a curriculum for self-directed learning: A systematic approach. Independence, 55, 8-11.
Thornton, K. (2013). A framework for curriculum reform: Re-designing a curriculum for self-directed learning. Studies in Self-Access Learning Journal, 4(2), 142-153. Retrieved from http://sisaljournal.org/archives/june13/thornton/
Watkins, S., Curry, N., & Mynard, J. (2014). Piloting and evaluating a redesigned self directed learning curriculum. Studies in Self-Access Learning Journal, 5(1), 58-78. Retrieved from http://sisaljournal.org/archives/mar13/watkins_curry_mynard
Watkins, S. (2015). Enhanced awareness and its translation into action: A case study of one learner’s self-directed language learning experience. Language Learning in Higher Education, 6(2), 441-446. doi:10.1515/cercles-2015-0021
Werner, R. J. (2014). Investigation of students’ autonomous plans to improve speaking. In J. Mynard & C. Ludwig (Eds.), Autonomy in language learning: Tools, tasks and environments [ebook]. Faversham, UK: IATEFL.
Werner, R. J. (2017). Using transcription to improve noticing and develop effective learning plans. In T. Pattison (Ed.), IATEFL 2016 Birmingham conference selections (pp. 144-146). Faversham, UK: IATEFL.
Werner, R. J., & Kobayashi, Y. (2015). Self-access and metacognitive awareness in young learners: How Japanese sixth graders learn how to learn English. Studies in Self-Access Learning Journal, 6(4), 399-412. Retrieved from http://sisaljournal.org/archives/dec15/werner_kobayashi
Yamaguchi, A. (2014). Evidence of learner autonomy in a self-directed learning course. In J. Mynard & C. Ludwig (Eds.), Autonomy in language learning: Tools, tasks and environments. Faversham, UK: IATEFL.
Carson, L. (2012). Developing a deeper understanding of learning processing during unguided complex learning tasks: Implications for language advising. Studies in Self-Access Learning Journal, 3(1), 6-23. Retrieved from http://sisaljournal.org/archives/march12/carson/
Curry, N., Mynard, J., Noguchi, J., & Watkins, S. (2017). Evaluating a self-directed language learning course in a Japanese university. International Journal of Self-Directed Learning, 14(1), 37-57. Retrieved from http://docs.wixstatic.com/ugd/dfdeaf_385a2e4d19254f968487b6058464e00c.pdf
Hasegawa, Y., & Thornton, K. (2014). Examining the perspectives of students on a self-directed learning module. In J. Mynard & C. Ludwig (Eds.), Autonomy in language learning: Tools, tasks and environments. Faversham, UK: IATEFL.
Lammons, E. (2013). Principles: Establishing the foundation for a self-access curriculum. Studies in Self-Access Learning Journal, 4(4), 353-366. Retrieved from http://sisaljournal.org/archives/dec13/lammons/
Lammons, E. (2013). Encouraging student evaluation of language learning resources. IATEFL 2012 Glasgow Conference Selections, pp. 51-53.
Lammons, E. (2014). Ongoing development: Pathways and challenges. Studies in Self-Access Learning Journal, 5(2), 173-177. Retrieved from http://sisaljournal.org/archives/june14/lammons/
McCarthy, T. M. (2011). Developing a classroom-based self-access learning course: A course evaluation. ELTWO Journal, volume 3. Retrieved from http://blog.nus.edu.sg/eltwo/2011/08/17/developing-a-classroom-based-self-access-learning-course-a-course-evaluation-2/
McCarthy, T. (2010). Integrating Project-based learning into a traditional skills-based curriculum to foster learner autonomy: an action research. The Journal of Kanda University of International Studies, 22, 221 – 244.
Morrison, B. R. (2011). The bespoke syllabus, objective setting and WIN analyses. Independence IATEFL Learner Autonomy SIG Newsletter 52, 16-18.
Morrison, B. R. (2011). On Self-directed learning modules for independent learning: IELTS exam preparation. Studies in Self-Access Learning Journal 2(2), 51-67. Retrieved from https://sisaljournal.org/archives/jun11/morrison/
Morrison, B. R. (2013). Learning behaviors: Subtle barriers in L2 learning. In J. Schwieter (Ed.). Studies and global perspectives of second language teaching and learning, pp. 69-89. Charlotte: Information Age Publishing.
Morrison, B.R. (2013). Creating diagnostic frameworks for supporting focused, effective, self-directed learning. In T. Pattison (Ed.). IATEFL 2012Conference Selections, pp. 47-49. Canterbury: IATEFL.
Morrison, B. R., & Navarro, D. (2014). The autonomy approach. UK: Delta.
Morrison, B. R. (2014). Self-directed language learning. English Teaching Professional 92, 4-7.
Mynard, J., Curry, N., Noguchi, J., & Watkins, S. (2017). Studying the impact of the SALC curriculum on learning. Studies in Linguistics and Language Teaching, 27, 45-58.
Mynard, J., & Stevenson, R. (2017). Promoting learner autonomy and self-directed learning: The evolution of a SALC curriculum. Studies in Self-Access Learning Journal, 8(2), 169-182. Retrieved from https://sisaljournal.org/archives/jun2017/mynard_stevenson/
Noguchi, J., & McCarthy, T. M. (2010). Reflective self-study: Fostering learning autonomy. In A. M. Stoke (Ed.), JALT 2009 conference proceedings (pp. 160-167). Retrieved from http://jalt-publications.org/archive/proceedings/2009/E116.pdf
Noguchi, J. (2014). Evaluating self-directed learning skills in SALC modules. Studies in Self-access Learning Journal, 5(2), 153-172. Retrieved from: http://sisaljournal.org/archives/june14/noguchi
Takahashi, K., Mynard, J., Noguchi, J., Sakai, A., Thornton, K., & Yamaguchi, A. (2013). Needs analysis: Investigating students’ self-directed learning needs using multiple data sources. Studies in Self-Access Learning Journal, 4(3), 208-218. Retrieved from http://sisaljournal.org/archives/sep13/takahashi_et_al
Thornton, K. (2012). Evaluating a curriculum for self-directed learning: A systematic approach. Independence, 55, 8-11.
Thornton, K. (2013). A framework for curriculum reform: Re-designing a curriculum for self-directed learning. Studies in Self-Access Learning Journal, 4(2), 142-153. Retrieved from http://sisaljournal.org/archives/june13/thornton/
Watkins, S., Curry, N., & Mynard, J. (2014). Piloting and evaluating a redesigned self directed learning curriculum. Studies in Self-Access Learning Journal, 5(1), 58-78. Retrieved from http://sisaljournal.org/archives/mar13/watkins_curry_mynard
Watkins, S. (2015). Enhanced awareness and its translation into action: A case study of one learner’s self-directed language learning experience. Language Learning in Higher Education, 6(2), 441-446. doi:10.1515/cercles-2015-0021
Werner, R. J. (2014). Investigation of students’ autonomous plans to improve speaking. In J. Mynard & C. Ludwig (Eds.), Autonomy in language learning: Tools, tasks and environments [ebook]. Faversham, UK: IATEFL.
Werner, R. J. (2017). Using transcription to improve noticing and develop effective learning plans. In T. Pattison (Ed.), IATEFL 2016 Birmingham conference selections (pp. 144-146). Faversham, UK: IATEFL.
Werner, R. J., & Kobayashi, Y. (2015). Self-access and metacognitive awareness in young learners: How Japanese sixth graders learn how to learn English. Studies in Self-Access Learning Journal, 6(4), 399-412. Retrieved from http://sisaljournal.org/archives/dec15/werner_kobayashi
Yamaguchi, A. (2014). Evidence of learner autonomy in a self-directed learning course. In J. Mynard & C. Ludwig (Eds.), Autonomy in language learning: Tools, tasks and environments. Faversham, UK: IATEFL.