Conference Proceedings

Introduction

The 3rd Independent Learning Association Japan 2007 Conference: Exploring theory, enhancing practice: Autonomy across the disciplines, was held from Friday 5th October to Monday 8th October at Kanda University of International Studies, Chiba, Japan. These proceedings comprise 42 of the 170 scheduled parallel sessions, and one paper written in response to one of the sessions.

Proceedings table of contents and papers

The proceedings have been registered as an online publication ISSN 2073-7513. All papers have been double-blind peer reviewed a minimum of twice. The editors are grateful to the reviewers who have made this process possible:

The papers reflect the goals of the conference:

• To expand the theoretical base of learner autonomy in language learning by engaging academics from around the world in an interdisciplinary discussion.
• To review past achievements in the field, both theoretical and practical, and to set future directions.
• To promote pedagogical innovation in classrooms that foster learner autonomy and in self-access centres.
• To support and consolidate growing interest in self-access learning and learner autonomy in Japan.
• To expand understanding of the relationship between CALL and learner autonomy.
• To explore the role of teacher education programmes in preparing educators to work in learning environments that foster learner autonomy and independent learning.

When referring to the proceedings or any of the articles published in it, please consult the following referencing standard:

APA 5th Style:
Carroll, M., Castillo, D., Cooker, L., & Irie, K. (Eds.). (2009). Proceedings of the Independent Learning Association 2007 Japan Conference (online): Exploring theory, enhancing practice: Autonomy across the disciplines. Kanda University of International Studies, Chiba, Japan, October 2007. Retrieved [Month] [Date], [Year], from [URL]

We would like to acknowledge the contribution to this conference of the sponsors, Kanda University of International Studies and Cengage Learning; and of the conference conveners, Sara Cotterall, Garold Murray and Lucy Cooker.

Finally our thanks to all those who attended the conference. We are looking forward to meeting and learning from them again at the 5th ILA Conference in Wellington, New Zealand in 2012.

ILA 2007 Proceedings Editorial Committee
Michael Carroll, Momoyama Gakuin University, Japan
Desiree Castillo, Universidad de Sonora, Mexico
Lucy Cooker, University of Nottingham, UK
Kay Irie, J. F. Oberlin University, Japan

Other publications inspired by the ILA 2007 Japan Conference: Kjisik, F., Voller, P., Aoki, N., & Nakata, Y. (2009). Mapping the terrain of learner autonomy: Learning environments, learning communities and identities. Tampere, Finland: Tampere University Press.
With contributions from H. Holec, D. Little, K. Schwienhorst, G. Murray, M-J. Gremmo, L. Karlsson, F. Kjisik, Y. Nakata, P. Benson and N. Aoki.
Available from Granum at http://granum.uta.fi/english/index.php.