The Independent Learning Association

Principal Site | Previous Conferences

The Independent Learning Association, formed in 2003, is an organization for language practitioners and researchers working in the area of independent language learning. Specific areas of interest include:

• fostering Learner Autonomy through classroom practice
• supporting Self-Directed Learning
• providing Self-Access Language Learning facilities
• exploring Teacher Autonomy

The organization aims to bring together professionals with similar interests to promote the exchange of ideas and to set up support networks and joint research projects. It does this through:

• its website at independentlearning.org
• an annual publication (with conference proceedings)
• an active mailing list for and by practitioners
• biennial conferences

Membership of the Independent Learning Association includes language teachers, curriculum designers, Self Access Centre managers, learning advisors, teacher educators and language researchers. The Association currently includes members from Australia, China, Hong Kong, Hungary, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand and the United Kingdom.

The inaugural conference was held in Melbourne, Australia in September 2003 and attracted participants from Asia, Europe, the Middle East and Oceania. The theme of the conference was “Supporting independent English language learning in the 21st century” and the keynote speakers were Terry Lamb from Sheffield University (UK), Richard Pemberton from Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, and Sara Cotterall from Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand.

The second conference was held in Auckland, New Zealand in September, 2005, and was attended by participants from Australia, China, Hong Kong, Hungary, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, Taiwan and the United Kingdom. The keynote speakers were Marina Mozzon-McPherson from the University of Hull (UK), Sarah Toogood from Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, and Peter Voller from the University of Hong Kong.

The Independent Learning Association in Japan

Independent learning is currently enjoying increased attention in Japan, so hosting the Association’s conference in Tokyo offers an ideal opportunity to contribute expertise and leadership to the field while establishing new channels of communication for Japan-based language educators who are interested in exploring this new approach to learning.

With its exclusive focus on Independent Learning, this Association makes it possible to bring together language educators and support staff working at a range of different levels in the education sector - junior high schools, senior high schools, colleges, universities and public adult education facilities. It also makes it possible to invite to Japan leading minds in the field who can share their expertise.

It is expected that the 2007 conference will result in heightened awareness of the phenomenon of Independent Language Learning, as well as of the Self Access Learning Centre at Kanda University of International Studies (KUIS) - the venue for the 2007 conference. It is also hoped that the conference will boost membership for JASAL – the newly formed Japan Association of Self Access Learning – which held its inaugural meeting at KUIS in May, 2005.