Almost from the inception of TESOLArabia’s Learner Independence SIG some 3 years ago, we have been in contact with David French, on a ‘you scratch our SIG, and we’ll scratch yours’ basis. For this reason, we are happy to take up David’s invitation to introduce ourselves in this newsletter.

Reasons for starting LI-SIG here were threefold: firstly to raise awareness about independent learning in an area where traditional teaching methods are still quite common; secondly to support anyone who was setting up an ILC, especially those ‘thrown in the deep end’ and new to the concept; and thirdly for our own professional development – to give us the incentive to explore new teaching/learning avenues.

We organized the SIG on a cooperative basis with 4 Co-Chairs – this enables us to have a wider and bigger range of activities, it ensures the continuation and continuity of the SIG if anyone leaves – and we all get proper recognition for our hard work. Currently, we have a Technology Chair who maintains our website, advises on ed-tech issues, and trains us in computing/technology; a Publications Chair who produces our newsletters and news-sheets and creates/proofs all publicity, reports, articles, etc; an Administrative Chair who assists with administration and controls our finances; and the List Moderator/Spokesperson (me) who deals with our discussion list, and networks madly. We all give workshops and cooperate in the organization of events and, as we are mainly in different locations it is easier to make contacts with members. In addition, we have a solid supporting cast of TESOLArabia personnel, local ILC Coordinators and the ‘party faithful’.

With regard to our ‘membership’, we see all 1700 members of TESOLArabia as potential LI-SIG members, and Learner Independence as an umbrella issue concerning everyone, so we try to circulate our publications to one and all, and publicise our events as widely as possible. Admittedly some events are of minority interest, but others have more universal appeal.

Workshops on IL(C)-related Themes: e.g., Creating Self-Access Worksheets, Self-Test Vocabulary Activities, Project-based Learning, ‘Crafty’ Ways to English, Self-access on a Shoe-string, and software demonstrations.

ILC Certificate Course: We run a 3-session workshop, ILCs: from Plans to Practice, which comprises one session in an ILC learning about the daily operation, organization, equipment, etc; a second session investigating independent learning materials; and a third session in which planning strategies and issues are discussed

ILC Visits: A group of people visit a local ILC, do a treasure hunt, investigate materials, learn about the special features of that ILC, and discuss the materials, organization, facilities, etc. that they see.

News-sheet: This is a chatty newsletter (2 – 4 pages) with tips, news and ideas.

Newsletter: This is a 12 page, glossy magazine produced for the Conference Bag at the TESOLArabia Annual Conference, and it contains longer, more formal articles.

ILC Coordinators’ Forum: This was founded last October as a ‘support group’ for new and established ILC personnel in the area. It is a chance for us to meet, discuss common issues, learn from others’ experiences, and prevent endless reinvention of the wheel!

Upcoming Event: Next month we are organizing a morning of workshops entitled ‘Tactile Tasks and Technical Tips’ to help teachers get started with ed-tech, give others a chance to try some innovative tech ideas, and to promote the use of tactile activities for independent learning.

New Venture: We hope to be involved in assisting local schools to set up collections of IL resources. In this connection, we intend to organize a collection of magazines, pictures, kids’ books, games, etc. from departing teachers to provide schools with a starter-kit.

Research: Many tertiary teachers bemoan their students’ lack of Study Skills and learning behaviours and attitudes, so we have compiled a list of ‘desirable behaviours, skills, and attitudes’. In conjunction with the Teacher Education SIG we are getting input, ideas and solutions through workshop discussions which we intend to compile into a document for circulation via the Education Zones. One local teacher has also suggested circulating ideas from our discussion list via a column she writes for a free magazine distributed by the Ministry of Education and Youth.

Website: Our site has articles, links, IL ideas, ILC set-up advice, IL materials guidelines, news, ILC profiles, photos, archived discussions and newsletters. Take a look at http://ilearn.20m.com. (All contributions welcome!)

Discussion List: Our discussion list covers an extensive range of IL-related issues from field trips, to displaying listening activities, to software suggestions to learning strategies. It is open to anyone anywhere – we really enjoy input from non-UAE-based people, so please join! (Send a blank email to ilearn-subscribe@topica.com)

If you would like to find out more about the TESOLArabia organization, check http://tesolarabia.org.

Grants are available for presenters coming to our international conference, so why not think about it?

Anyway, if we don’t get to meet you in person, do let’s meet on our discussion list, or please contact us via tailearn@yahoo.com.

Enough about us, we’d love to hear about your activities, your SIG, your IL-related ventures and your ILCs.

Regards,

Heather M. Baba

TA LI-SIG Co-Chair