View Content #24941

By Julie Sykes, CASLS Director

InterCom this month tackled some components of independent, learner-directed language learning. We remain committed to the idea that, ultimately, learner-driven language learning is a primary goal. Formal instructional environments can, and should, build the skills and create the conditions under which independent exploration can be both meaningful and relevant.  One way learners can add discipline and reflection in their thinking routine is through journaling and documentation of their experiences. This can be facilitated by an instructor, but does not have to be assigned to be relevant. Below we offer ten ways learners might want to document their own language learning journey.

1. Create a hashtag for their social media platform which marks their journey. They can use it when something is relevant to their learning experience. For example, it might be #onewordperday or #learning[language] or any other hashtag THEY find relevant to add context.
2. Hand-written journal of words and phrases that a learner carries to write down what they notice.
3. A weekly chat routine with a friend in which they each share what they have learned.
4. A wall collage that that documents the learning over a specific period of time. This might include images and words they found while, for example, on a trip or studying abroad.
5. An audio journal in which they record a one-minute daily reflection on their language learning adventure.
6. Three Goals and Three Successes: A daily journal in which they indicate three learning goals and three successes for the day or for the week. (See this week’s Activity of the Week).
7. A daily blog in which the learner posts one thing they found in the language they are learning that is relevant. This should be short and easy to do, unless a learner chooses to do more.
8. A mind map or visual representation of any meaningful learning experiences that might be especially relevant later in life. This can be done in a journal or other space that the learner deems relevant.
9. Coffee with a friend to either practice one another’s languages or to talk about things they have observed in the world.
10. Any other way someone wants to document life’s experience! The important thing is to jot it down or keep track so one can see how far they have come.