In the first month of the new year 2002 I welcome readers of the sixth (and second published on the Internet) Newsletter of the Teacher Development and Autonomous Learning SIG. Winter has covered roads with a slippery sheet of ice and piled high snowdrifts, so in some regions schools have suspended classes. Thus we have found some precious time to compile articles for the present issue.
So what will the reader find for the long winter evenings?
First of all I recommend an excellent piece by Luciano Mariani. Food for thoughts for our members who never lose sight of the necessity of reflecting on their teaching attitude and the "tools of the trade". Take a few minutes to answer the questionnaire and you may find out something about your teaching style - with both personal and professional benefit for everyone devoted to the path of Teacher Development. An interested reader will venture further and find more articles on learner autonomy and excellent teaching resources at Luciano's website, www.learningpaths.cjb.net
Another specifically "Autonomous Learning" touch is a short piece written by a young student, who has found disappointment in the school syllabus on offer and has the courage to try out something new. It has been a worthwhile experience not only for her, but also for the teacher, who has endeavoured to supervise an individually tailored learning syllabus by means of remote communication. The reflections of the students have thrown a new light, again allowing for the development of teaching philosophy and practice.
Another Guest Article will enchant these of the readers, who come away from the big international gatherings weary and frustrated, suspecting that there could be another way of conferencing - more humane, trying out innovative formats and supporting participatory forms of collegial exchange and experiential-reflective learning.
In her well organised, succinct article Sarah Łuczaj tells us about that delightful class activity, creative writing: a task as if invented with learner autonomy in mind. No wonder it brings pleasure to all participants of the teaching\learning process!
Following the SIG meeting in Kraków, Beata Opałka (nee Darzycka, congratulations from the editorial team!) is pondering the issue of home schooling, described from their practical experience by Ania Turula and Bożena Pawłowska in an earlier issue of the IATEFL-PL Newsletter. The idea clearly provokes many so far unanswered questions, but promises a worthwhile subject for future discussion.
What happens when the teacher is away from school for a prolonged period of time? In the impoverished reality of Polish state schools it is only an exception to hire a substitute teacher. Does the on-going effort from the teacher to support the development of the autonomous personality of her or his students influence their attitude toward working on the subject during unexpected "holidays"? I found at least a partial answer when I returned after a month's absence. Some of it sounds like a fairy-tale. I sincerely hope it is not!
In spite of the nasty surprises brought about the weather, we are heading confidently toward spring with its promise of sunshine and renewed energy. We can look forward to the traditional conference in Cieszyn, where we shall again spend a memorable time exchanging views, experiences, hints and theories - and plainly enjoying each other's company. So let us begin this new calendar year with optimism. May I wish you all the fullfilment of all your plans and success both for you and for your students.
Last but not least there is a renewed request from all of you who have had an interesting idea or experience and would like to share with the others: our Newsletter is the nearest, coziest forum for publication. Its editor is waiting for you, ready to help in any way if required. Browsing through the Computer SIG newsletter I have found a rubric dedicated to lesson plans and I liked the idea tremendously. I believe we can also support each other in this way and so I am waiting for a spate of lesson and activities plans from all AL&TD SIG members!
Meanwhile… Happy reading,
Your editor, Zosia Grudzińska