Welcome all readers!

As I am writing these words in my study in the attic, I can see through the window definite signs that spring has come “for good”. And with spring comes hope for the renewal of strength, depleted by long winter months.

How fitting then to have our Cieszyn Conference organised under the banner of “Releasing Positive Energy In Teachers and Students”. At times it is hard to believe we are still possessed of such energy, but I am sure that after our traditional event we will come back to work with a song and dance.

Which is why there is an article by Dorota Cebula, advising us how to use songs in our work. Moved by her experiences, we may endeavour to sustain the feeling of spring over the whole year!

Another practical issue has been discussed in Beata Opałka’s report on the introduction of journals in her class. As she points out, “writing journals not only provided my students with an opportunity to practise writing skills but also express their opinions on language learning and to reflect on their own language learning”. And we can never underestimate the importance of reflection and affective factors in the learning process. Therefore, we have a real “feast for the mind” – a guest article by Grethe Hooper Hansen (a re-print from the paper she gave at the SEAL Conference in Canterbury). “Quantum Revolution in Education” is not easy reading, but it proves fascinating to all commited to the idea of a holistic and humanitarian classroom.

In March three of our SIG members travelled across the ocean to take part in the Autonomy 2003 conference in Tenerife (technically we should say Spain, only it is difficult to describe in such manner the exotic adventure in the tropics). It was a long way from home, although it felt like home – to be among teachers and educationalists who devote their working life to developing and propagating the theory and practice of autonomous learning and teacher development. Readers will find in the present issue a fruit of that trip - a contribution to the plenary session, presented by Inga Rebenius from Sweden. We may spend ages discussing rebels versus obedient learners… which raises the question: does such a phenomenon as an obedient autonomous learner exist? Which of our students are “obediently autonomous” and which could be described as “autonomously obedient”?

In our “Sound off!” column two contributions – an anecdote from yours truly and wonderful quotes courtesy of Kasia Weiss, who gives us a hint of a website to visit for some humour in the classroom. Kasia is also the author of a reflection from our February retreat in Szczyrk.

True to our creed, we maintain the students’ right to voice their opinion. In the present issue they share their reflections on the classroom without a coursebook. Amazing how youth seems to know with effortless grace what the elders strive hard to work out…

Last but not least (as a matter of fact, first in the List of Contents!) there is an introduction from the TESOLArabia Learner Independence SIG. Read and admire the rich range of activities – and do not forget to visit the website, it is definitely worth your while!

When you are reading this editorial, the Cieszyn event will have been over, but with a few days to go, I might engage in a bit of “crystal ball” magic to anticipate another wonderful, energising and inspiring weekend for all participants. As the editor of our Newletter, allow me to remind you that future issues will welcome contributions from everyone of you.

The “Sound off!” column is also waiting – you can send your teaching tips, interesting websites’ URLs etc. This periodical has been, is and will always be the creation of the readers who decide to become writers. Let’s hope we will have a spate of those, for therein lies the spirit of sharing, without which no voluntary body of interested individuals can survive.

With best wishes of spring energy, optimism and rewarding professional experiences,

Zosia Grudzińska

Zosia_g@wp.pl