Autonomous Language Learning Series. Books 13-16 (ebooks)

Book 13: Developing Learner Autonomy in Foreign Language Learning: Papers from the Independent Learning Association Conference, Mexico, June 2021. Edited by Christian Ludwig, Maria Giovanna Tassinari, Adelina Ruiz Guerrero, and Kazuko Nagao.

This edited volume is based on the idea of unity in diversity and contains chapters in both English and Spanish, representing ideas from different linguistic, cultural, political, and educational contexts. The 16 chapters present research and practice from different learning environments, such as classrooms, self-access language centres, and newly evolving learning spaces beyond the classroom. Contributions are based on selected presentations from the Independent Learning Association Conference 2021, held online. The event was organised by the Mediateca at the Escuela Nacional de Lenguas, Lingüística y Traducción (National School of Languages, Linguistics and Translation) of the National Autonomous University of Mexico in collaboration with the IATEFL Learner Autonomy Special Interest Group.

Este volumen editado se basa en la idea de unidad en la diversidad y contiene capítulos tanto en inglés como en español, que representan ideas de diferentes contextos lingüísticos, culturales, políticos y educativos. Los 16 capítulos presentan investigaciones y prácticas de diferentes entornos de aprendizaje, como aulas, centros de idiomas de autoaprendizaje y nuevos espacios de aprendizaje en evolución más allá del aula. Las contribuciones se basan en presentaciones seleccionadas de la Conferencia 2021 del Independent Learning Association, celebrada en línea. El evento fue organizado por la Mediateca de la Escuela Nacional de Lenguas, Lingüística y Traducción de la Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México en colaboración con el Learner Autonomy Special Interest Group de la IATEFL.

More information: https://www.candlinandmynard.com/mexico.html

Book 14: Whose Autonomy? Voice and Agency in Language Learning.

Edited by Adelia Peña Clavel & Katherine Thornton

The 2018 Independent Learning Association Conference was held at Konan Women’s University, Kobe, Japan, in September 2018 and brought together autonomy researchers from around the world under the theme Whose Autonomy? Voice and Agency in Language Learning. This collection of papers includes a variety of voices, from both classroom and non-classroom contexts, including from learners themselves. 

​

The first part of this collection of articles contains papers that explore the development of autonomy of students in the classroom. The second part consists of projects which focus on learners’ opportunities to use English outside the classroom and showcases multiple instances of learners exercising their agency in an interesting variety of contexts. The third section focuses on how advisors and teachers exercise agency in teacher education contexts. The fourth section includes a number of collaborative reflections on the conference. Finally, the fifth part includes seven student papers from the Learners About Learning student conference, organised by JALT Learner Development SIG Kansai Group, and held within the main conference.

More details: https://www.candlinandmynard.com/ila.html

Book 15: Pulling Back the Curtain in Self-Access: Stories of Student Staff Member Motivation

Christopher Phelps

What motivates student staff members (SSMs) who work in self-access centres (SACs)? Pulling Back the Curtain in Self-Access takes readers inside these unique learning spaces in Japanese universities to explore this question through vivid personal narratives. Drawing on interviews and narrative inquiry, Christopher Phelps examines what drives SSMs to begin and sustain their roles, whether it’s the desire to help others, develop language skills, or build meaningful social connections. By situating these stories within the framework of Self-Determination Theory, the book illuminates how autonomy, competence, and relatedness shape students’ motivation and well-being.

More than a research study, this is a deeply human exploration of learning, teaching, and belonging. Combining rich storytelling with practical insights, the book bridges theory and practice for educators, advisors, and administrators who wish to nurture motivation in student staff and create more autonomy-supportive self-access environments. The concluding chapters offer concrete strategies for recruitment, training, and development—transforming everyday SAC experiences into spaces of growth and collaboration.

More details: https://www.candlinandmynard.com/selfaccessstories.html

Book 16: Reforming the Foreign Language Classroom: Empowering Learners to Take Ownership

Edited by Katja Heim, Leni Dam, Annika Albrecht, and Carmen Becker

How can language teachers create classrooms where students truly take ownership of their learning? Reforming the Foreign Language Classroom: Empowering Learners to Take Ownership explores this question through powerful examples of theory-informed practice and classroom innovation. Inspired by the pioneering work of Leni Dam and her collaborators, the book calls for a fundamental rethinking of language education, one that supports learner autonomy, inclusion, and intrinsic motivation. Drawing on international research and real-world classroom stories, it demonstrates that reform is not only necessary but already happening across diverse contexts.

This volume brings together leading voices in language education to examine what it takes to empower learners and teachers alike. The chapters address autonomy from multiple perspectives: understanding the learner’s agency, supporting teachers in fostering autonomy, and showcasing practical, autonomy-supportive classroom models. Whether you are a teacher, researcher, or policymaker, this book provides both inspiration and concrete guidance for transforming the foreign language classroom into a space where every learner can grow with confidence, creativity, and purpose.

More details: https://www.candlinandmynard.com/reformingtheclassroom.html