Newsletters

Independence Through Interdependence

It might seem counterintuitive at first, but in the literature of independent learning, teaching students to use each other as a resource pops up again and again as a vital part of fostering learner independence. Collaboration, accessing the knowledge of our peers, knowing when and how to ask questions and seek help are skills that academics at all levels can well use. Those of us who are in the Learner Independence Special Interest Group have benefited greatly from our own interdependence. The past year has seen a flurry of activity by members of the LISIG, as well as a number of changes, all of which have increased our opportunities to share ideas and work together to cultivate learner independence in our students.

The LISIG, together with other TESOL SIGs, hosted five different events in the last year. First, our year kicked off with an Independent Learning Morning in Ras Al Khaimah, hosted by HCT-RKW. Our first-ever Independent Learning Research Morning, at HCT-ADMC was popular and well-attended, with an incredible array of workshops. We hope to make this event a regular feature of our calendar. In early November, we organized an ILC Certificate Course at HCT-DMC to give participants and overview of planning and operating an Independent Learning Center. In February, Janet Olearski and the Petroleum Institute ILC Team opened their doors to LI-SIG and showcased their extensive facilities and shared their experiences. Our last event of the year was an Independent Learning Morning hosted by AUS, Sharjah. This had one of the best selections of workshops we have ever had. We were really pleased to include presentations by teachers from local schools about classroom activities, independent learning issues and ILCs. We are delighted that each of our events has seen increased participation on the part of local primary and secondary teachers. Everyone involved has benefited from the resulting dialogue.

The LISIG has long exchanged ideas through its online presence. We still offer a discussion list, an online newsletter (ilearn.20m.com) and a Moodle site (learnerindependence.info) where educators and others interested in LI can exchange materials, ideas and research on the topic. These resources have become more developed in the past year, and we've connected with the IATEFL Learner Autonomy SIG to create a Facebook group (Learner Autonomy and iLearn).
Our leadership structure has also changed. While Heather Baba and Phil Cozens still play a strong leadership role, we have gone from 'co-chairs' to a leadership team. Two new team members, Jane Al Hashemi, (ILC and Library Supervisor, HCT-MZ and Ruwais Campuses) and Rachel Lange (ILC Coordinator, UGRU Women's Campus), will be planning some of our events next year. David Dixon, PhD Candidate at U/Warwick, UK, is our Publications Editor and International Representative. Phil, Senior Lecturer, PI, Abu Dhabi, is still our Web- and Moodle-master. Heather, ALZ Coordinator, HCT-ADMC, is the Treasurer.

In the coming year, as we continue our efforts to foster learner independence in our students, we will also try to strengthen our interdependence as educators and LI researchers through conversations at events, online, and with our colleagues here and around the globe.

Learner Independence SIG
Heather Baba, David Dixon, Jane Al Hashemi, Phil Cozens

The LI SIG team has changed slightly this year with Jane Al-Hashemi from the HCT-MZC joining us as Local Editor. We have also decided to expand our group even further by inviting Rachel Lange from UAEU to help with the organization of future events, the first of which will probably be our ILC visit to the Petroleum Institute in February. We have not, however, just been moving people around or taking it easy since we came back this semester! Our workshop with the RAK Chapter in October was well attended with sessions from local HCT faculty and LI-SIG Co-Chairs covering several different areas related to Independent Learning. Phil also represented the SIG at a Dubai Chapter meeting.

2 November saw Phil and Heather starting out early to allow time to get lost on the way to Dubai Men's College and the CTELT Conference. No, we had not defected to TAE-SIG, but Christine Coombe and the DMC ILC had been kind enough to allow us to arrange our ILC Certificate Course during CTELT. Our event was well-attended with participants from several emirates as well as a group from Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat. Nora Nineachtain started things off with an overview of the DMC perspective on independent learning and its highly innovative attitude towards the inclusion of mathematics. Heather's multiple charts and mindmaps left participants reeling with their complexity before a well deserved break for lunch. Meanwhile, Jane and Phil checked the afternoon's location, only to find the previously laid out desks and chairs neatly stacked at the back of the room! Suddenly it was flying furniture as they quickly managed to set up for the group tasks. Next was Basel Badran from HCT-Sharjah who gave an amazing overview of what you need to know regarding technology in an ILC. Jane and Heather then had participants moving from table to table as they discussed what could be done with various objects from a materials perspective. So how would you use an old IKEA catalogue, recipes, toys, paper dolls and old postcards in an ILC? Jane and Heather have a multitude of ideas and collected even more from the participants. Phil finished off with ideas on exploiting software and websites, as well as a warning about making sure students know how to use that expensive software you have just purchased and a timely reminder that independent learning can take place anywhere - not just in an ILC! Feedback suggested that it had been a long, but successful day.

We have also been working online. Heather has put together a Study Skills wiki at http://ilearnstudyskills.pbwiki.com/ and is looking for others to contribute their ideas, while the SIG has set up a Moodle in the hope that we can start sharing files, websites and ideas. We are slowly adding materials to it and would love others to join us. Take a look at http://www.learnerindependence.info/ where you can log in using the Guest button, and, to add materials to one of the areas, use our Guest Teacher username and password 'teacher'. We welcome your feedback. We all hope that this will a useful method for making life easier for all, and we are particularly looking for ways to help those in local schools. So if you have ideas about how you could help others help their students, login, upload, and share your materials.

Meanwhile, in a joint venture with the IATEFL Learner Autonomy SIG's Assistant Coordinator and webmaster, Jo Mynard, we have set up a Facebook Group: the Learner Autonomy and iLearn Group - just use the Facebook 'find' feature and join! So, with this Facebook presence, the Moodle, our discussion lists, presenting at events, updating our book which is nearly sold out, and contributing to our website and wikis, there are plenty of ways to participate and get involved with LI-SIG!

Learner Independence SIG
Heather Baba, David Dixon, Jane Al Hashemi, Phil Cozens

For the first issue of TAPS in the 2007 - 2008 academic year, we would like to introduce the Learner Independence SIG for the benefit of new TESOL Arabia members.

The aims of LI-SIG are to:
" Promote and support the principles of learner independence
" Provide a forum for the discussion of shared concerns and issues encourage the sharing and exchange of knowledge, skills and experiences in the field of independent learning
" Offer ideas and practical solutions for implementing varied independent learning schemes
" Facilitate networking amongst IL/C practitioners locally and internationally
" Support the establishment and upgrading of ILCs
" Encourage the development of innovative approaches and materials for IL
" Explore how new technologies can be employed to promote independent learning
" Support colleagues around the world who are studying by Distance Learning
" Support and participate in research projects in independent learning

This SIG was formed in 2000 and, over the years, it has established several specialist activities in line with its aims, to include: ILC visits, an ILC Certificate Course, the ILC Coordinators' Forum and ILC consultancy. LI-SIG also has a well-established web presence. Our website http://ilearn.20m.com houses a large collection of IL/C resources (materials, articles, links, photos). We also maintain several discussion lists. New members are added to our 'information only' Googlegroups which circulate professional development information, TESOL Arabia news and LI-SIG e-newsletters. In addition, LI-SIG operates a forum where independent learning-related ideas, issues, problems and advice are exchanged with IL practitioners around the world. Topics range from internet issues, CALL, ILC management, learner autonomy theoretical issues, student-centred learning, and study skills to emerging technologies, trends in learning, teaching and exams and recommended links. To join this list, please visit http://groups.google.com/group/ilearn2 or contact tailearn@yahoo.com.

One recent LI-SIG project which has been hugely successful is our ILC A- Z Handbook (Independent Learning Schemes: A Practical Approach ). This was co-written by 44 IL/C practitioners from the Gulf Region, Malaysia, Japan, Hong Kong, the UK and New Zealand. We were delighted that our publication was selected for review in the ELTJ, Volume 61, Number 4, October 2007. The reviewer, Dr. Richard Pemberton (U/Nottingham, UK), a renowned specialist in ILC management, gave our work considerable positive feedback and practical suggestions for a second edition. He describes the book as "comprehensive" and says that "Teachers and ILC staff, no matter how experienced, will find entries that are informative and inspiring." For those who are starting out "this mine of information and ideas is a must" and for the more experienced, he says, it is still very useful with material which, "will refresh tired minds." He concludes, "the editors and contributors are to be congratulated for creating an innovative way of supporting innovative practice. If you are at all interested in SALL or SACs-whether expert or novice-this handbook is well worth purchasing." (For more information, see http://ilearn.20m.com/news/bookpub.htm and to purchase, please contact tailearn@yahoo.com.)

Our activities this year will include some new concepts: Independent Learning Mornings consisting of 4 -6 workshops on IL themes; Materials Making Evenings (fun collaborative cut n paste sessions) and an Independent Learning Research Event. We also intend to produce a newsletter for the TESOL Arabia Annual Conference and establish a Moodle file-sharing facility. If you are interested in contributing to any of these ventures, please get in touch.

Finally, we have rejigged our line-up this year and currently the SIG Co-Chairs are: Heather Baba (list moderator/events coordinator/treasurer), David Dixon (international editor/overseas/representative/research consultant); Phil Cozens (webmaster/Moodlemaster/technical trainer) and Jane Al Hashemi (local editor/administrator/publicist). Jane, the library supervisor at the new HCT Madinat Zayed Campus, becomes our 'Fourth Arm' in place of Mairi Thomas who has established a new career as a graphic artist in Muscat. (See www.mairidesigns.com.) Good luck with your new ventures Mairi - and welcome, Jane!

Learner Independence SIG
Heather Baba, David Dixon, Mairi Thomas, Phil Cozens

This year we have held two of our specialist events: the ILC Coordinators' Forum and the ILC Certificate Course, ILCs: From Plans to Practice. The former, hosted in December at the British Council, Dubai, gave teachers and ILC personnel the opportunity to share ideas, issues and expertise with colleagues from around the region. We were all fascinated, in particular, by Basel Badran's presentation about his current assignment from the HCT, Sharjah Colleges, which entails supporting local schools in the set-up of ILC facilities. Basel's call for mutual support and the sharing of materials received a huge round of applause, and everyone agreed a locally-based system for file-exchange should be established … so, we are working on it! (More details soon.) LI-SIG was also delighted to welcome John Morgan of the CNA, Qatar to the meeting and to assist in his information-gathering for the CNA's ILC Project.

The ILC Certificate Course took place at Zayed University, Dubai on 24 February, and had an international flavour with participants from Oman and Qatar as well as the UAE. The day started with an overview of independent learning and a tour of the Learning Enhancement Centre at ZU, led by Robin Sorflaten, the LEC Coordinator. Heather Baba gave an overview of ILC planning strategies, which was followed by insights into ILC technological issues and VLEs, presented by Mark Karstad and Nirupama Bhati. In the afternoon, presentations focused on materials creation. Darcy Harris' session centred on games and visual-tactile activities; Heather outlined materials' organization considerations; Phil Cozens discussed criteria for the incorporation of computer-based tasks, and the day ended with Nora Nineachtain illustrating a range of possibilities and websites for the independent practice of mathematics. It was a hectic and intense day for participants and presenters alike!

In early February, LI-SIG Co-Chairs also presented in one of the western-most towns of the UAE: Al Gayaithi. The school venue was most impressive and we were overwhelmed by the welcome and hospitality we received. We were also very pleased to note the participation of students from HCT, Madinat Zayed.

LI-SIG was delighted to welcome both Sara Cotterall, well-known for her work with AILA and the ILA, as well as for her publications, and Dr. Leni Dam, also famed for her research and a legend within the field of learner autonomy to the TESOL Arabia Conference. Sara's session focused on the awareness and development of learner strategies while Leni discussed and illustrated how school children can be trained to adopt independent learning strategies in the classroom. It was rewarding to note a good percentage of conference sessions addressed learner autonomy issues and were received with great interest and the enthusiasm, particularly by teachers from local schools.

Learner Independence SIG
Heather Baba, David Dixon, Mairi Thomas, Phil Cozens

Our focus over the last few months has been on improving communications as well as expanding our web presence.

The long-running 'ilearn' discussion list which focuses on independent learning centre issues, learning styles, learner strategies, theoretical issues, study skills, internet, virtual learning environments (VLEs), the new technologies and practical classroom activities has relocated to http://groups.google.com/group/ilearn2.

Our new Distance Learning forum is now established. This is mainly a support group for DL students where topics include course choice, book/article searches, study advice, but general issues related to DL study are also discussed. Past, present and potential DL students, tutors, researchers, and course designers are welcome to participate: http://groups.google.com/group/distancelearningissues. Articles, presentations, opinions, and links related to DL can also be uploaded to http://ilearn.pbwiki.com. If you would like to contribute, please contact us.

In addition, we have created 2 mailing only lists (UAE and Overseas) where we periodically send out SIG and TESOL Arabia updates to LI-SIG members not on our discussion lists. Membership is restricted to TESOL Arabia members. To join either of these mailing lists, please send your name and membership number to tailearn@yahoo.com.

We have further cemented our web presence by revamping our website, http://ilearn.20m.com. We have added more articles, links, photos and reports. This site not only serves as a showcase for all our events, it also contains a photo gallery of ILCs, tips on ILC planning, independent-learning related articles, downloadable resources, archived discussions and ideas for classroom activities. According to Co-Chair David Dixon, who has been capturing IL sites, our site is the biggest on the web!

We were delighted to be invited to arrange the opening event of the TESOL Arabia season for the Eastern Region in Fujairah. Abdelbasset Jeddi, Abdelfattah Al Dimassi and Slim Khemakhem, "Our man on the ground at FWC", worked very hard to arrange our Tactile Tasks and Technical Tips Roadshow. Over 130 people attended - local teachers, college personnel, and B.Ed students. However, we were baffled because over 90% of the participants were female! Where were the men?! Presentations included workshops - given by EFL, B.Ed, mathematics, and computing teachers - dealing with interactive posters, Hot Potatoes, vocabulary activities, cooperative learning, authentic materials, websites, Moodle, online fun quizzes, activities using freeware, and the SMART Board. We ended with the presentation of some fun prizes in addition to books donated by Macmillans. The prize for the person who had travelled the furthest reached a whole new dimension when Alan Richardson, who has recently relocated to Brazil, dropped in! It was a great day for PD in the Eastern Region.

Finally, we are delighted to announce that our SIG Speaker at TACON 2007 will be Leni Dam, who is one of the great names in independent learning and has been a pioneer in promoting autonomy in the classroom for many years.

Diary Dates:
Western Zone, Al Ghayathi: 10 February
ILC Certificate Course, Zayed University, Dubai: 24 February
TTTT 5: Petroleum Institute, Abu Dhabi, 14 April
TTTT Roadshow, Al Ain, May

Learner Independence SIG
Heather Baba, David Dixon, Mairi Thomas, Phil Cozens

The Learner Independence SIG was busy almost to the year end with the 4th annual Tactile Tasks and Technical Tips event at the Petroleum Institute in Abu Dhabi in April and an ILC Visit to the newly upgraded ILCs at UAE University in Al Ain in May. TTTT4 consisted of 20 workshops covering practical easily implemented classroom ideas and computer/internet skills, with great refreshments supplied by the PI. The ILC Visit gave delegates the chance to explore materials, technology and systems at 2 ILCs and showcased the hard work and creativity of the UAEU ILC Team, Dan Blackman, Mairi Thomas and Karen Campbell.

We were delighted to be invited to contribute to the first issue of the revamped format of IATEFL`s Independence magazine on the initiative of Dr. Jo Mynard (ex LEC Coordinator at ZU, Abu Dhabi) and Dr. Richard Smith (University of Warwick, UK). In fact, the summer issue of Independence contained not only a profile of our SIG, but also a very positive review of our publication, Independent Learning Schemes: A Practical Approach, an overview of the ILC at HCT-RKM by Darcy Harris, and an article by LI-SIG Publications Co-Chair, David Dixon. We feel that these articles have really put independent learning in the UAE into the international arena.

For the coming academic year, planned events include a Tactile Tasks and Technical Tips Roadshow in Fujairah (November 4th), TTTT5 in Abu Dhabi, the annual ILC Coordinators' Forum (December 7, British Council, Dubai), an ILC Visit to Al-Sukaineh School (Dubai), and a re-run of our introductory ILC Course, ILCs: From Plans to Practice (February 24th). We also hope to organize an event showcasing independent learning research in the UAE later in the year. Another initiative is the possible creation of a Moodle site as a materials bank which would make it possible for members to share their resources.

We are delighted to announce that we have, at last, found a new home for our long-established 'ilearn' discussion list: http://groups.google.com/group/ilearn2. Topics on this list include the promotion of independent learning, ILCs, CALL, internet, learning styles, learning strategies, the design of materials for independent learning, and research into learner autonomy.

We will also be following up on our new Distance Learning initiative offering support for those considering or doing distance learning courses with a wiki where we can share ideas (http://tailearn.pbwiki.com/) and a discussion list. This list is also hosted by Google at http://groups.google.com/group/distancelearningissues. Present or past distance learning students, tutors, materials writers, researchers and course managers are welcome to join.

As usual, we will be maintaining our website http://ilearn.20m.com in addition to circulating our e-newsletter to SIG members as widely as possible throughout the TESOL Arabia membership to advertise events during the year.

Finally, please contact us about any/all independent learning issues and projects or if you wish to purchase our publication, Independent Learning Schemes: A Practical Approach (a handbook of practical ideas, issues and case studies for establishing independent learning centres and promoting autonomy), via tailearn@yahoo.com.

Learner Independence SIG
Phil Cozens, David Dixon, Mairi Thomas, Heather Baba

In the last few months life has been hectic for our SIG. On December 7, we held our 4th annual ILC Coordinators' Forum, a specialist event for ILC personnel, at the British Council, Dubai. In conjunction with ITSIG and the Sharjah and Ajman Chapters, we organised a Tactile Tasks and Technical Tips Event at AUS on the wettest weekend of the year; nonetheless, 171 delegates attended! On February 27th, the Al Mawaheb Model School for Girls in Abu Dhabi in consultation with LISIG organised a workshop on ILC planning for schools which included a tour of the school ILC. Bright and early on March 16th, Heather Baba, Phil Cozens and Colin Toms headed for Alzaitoonah School in Marfa to give sessions at a TESOL Arabia-sponsored promotional event to support members in the Western Zone in their endeavours to establish a new TESOL Arabia Chapter. Over 80 people, including local dignitaries from the Educational Zone, attended the event. Les Kirkham was on hand to deal with memberships and enough people signed up for the Chapter proposal to move forward - a historic day! Watch this space for developments!
Much of our effort in the last year has been focussed on publications, and we were delighted to launch our TESOL Arabia Special Edition, Independent Learning Schemes: A Practical Approach, at the TESOL Arabia Annual Conference. This volume contains articles on fundamentals of independent learning, ILC case-studies from UAE-based tertiary institutions and local schools, and a 200-item A - Z of ideas and guidelines for independent learning schemes. Please contact tailearn@yahoo.com to order a copy (40 AED plus postage).

Our Conference speaker was Tim Murphey from Dokkyo University, Japan. In his two sessions, Tim presented ideas on how to encourage meaningful speaking practice, and also entertained delegates with songs, stories, and even juggling! Also at the Conference, our latest newsletter was in the bags and Phil and Heather presented Ready, Steady, Study to introduce our new venture into Distance Learning.
Next year we are planning a consolidation phase concentrating on improving our website (http://ilearn.20m.com), reactivating our http://topica.com/lists/ilearn discussion list and promoting research into independent learning issues.

TESOL Arabia Perspectives, February 2006

On October 29, Phil and Heather led an ILC Planning Discussion Session at the American University of Sharjah to support the AUS ILC Planning Committee. It is hoped that this project will produce a useful case study for future reference.
Our latest venture is the production of an e-newsletter for our members - the first edition was circulated at the end of October. We believe that this will be an efficient way of establishing contact with members and have received some positive feedback on this initiative. This is being circulated to LISIG members directly as well as being linked via the ilearn discussion list and sent to the Chapter Reps for distributon. If you have not received these newsletters for some reason, and would like to be included on the circulation list, please contact us via tailearn@yahoo.com.
Finally, we are delighted to announce that our speaker at TESOL Arabia this year will be Tim Murphey.

Events and Activities Calendar:

Tactile Tasks & Technical Tips: 23 February, 2006: American University of Sharjah, University City, Sharjah

Tactile Tasks & Technical Tips: 20 April, 2006: Petroleum Institute, Abu Dhabi

(Please pre-register for both events via tailearn@yahoo.com

ILC Visit: This offers the chance to look around a local ILC, investigate systems and materials, and be inspired. This is tentatively scheduled for UAEU, Al Ain, early May.

ILCs 4 Schools Campaign: We aim to continue our consultancy work with school teachers and hold workshop sessions to encourage the establishment of ILCs in schools. We are hoping to arrange sessions at schools in Dubai and Abu Dhabi where creative, enthusiastic, resourceful and innovative teachers such as Naamat Hezber (Al Sukainah School) and Samira Abdelaziz (Al Mawreb School) have already taken the initiative to set up an ILC for their students. Remember, if your school is interested in setting up an ILC, please get in touch with us via tailearn@yahoo.com.

IL/C Handbook: For the past year LISIG members worldwide have been collaborating via the net to compile an IL/C Handbook aimed at providing useful article and information for anyone interested in setting up an ILC. We hope that this will be published in March and available at TACON.

Discussion List: To debate any and all matters directly or indirectly related to independent learning and ILCs, send a blank email to ilearn-subscribe@topica.com. (Please note that institutional server software may block messages from listserv hosts, so please join from a personal rather than work email address.)

Website: In addition to being a useful resource for independent learning ideas and practical tips on setting up ILCs, our site also includes reports and photos of all our events.

TESOL Arabia Perspectives, October 2005

On September 29^th, the Learner Independence SIG teamed up with the new ITSIG Chair, Justin Shewall, and the RAK Chapter to organise the second Tactile Tasks and Technical Tips Roadshow at HCT-RKW. The programme was packed with hands-on workshops experimenting with music, Powerpoint, Quia and Quandry and investigating fun websites while the tactile strand offered neat classroom activities based on interactive posters, newspapers, whiteboards and diverse authentic, visual-tactile materials. With nearly 100 delegates (including quite a few TTTT regulars), lovely refreshments, computer support from knowledgeable, efficient and willing RKW students, great facilities, smooth organisation thanks to Anna Bailey and her team, support from MacMillan and the local Magrudy’s outlet, it was a thoroughly enjoyable and stimulating morning.

TTTT Dates:

23 February, 2006: American University of Sharjah, University City, Sharjah

20 April, 2006: Petroleum Institute, Abu Dhabi

Other plans for this year include:
ILC Visit (venue/date TBA): This offers the chance to look around a local ILC, investigate systems and materials, and be inspired.

ILC Coordinators’ Forum (arrangements TBA): This is our ‘special, special interest group’ for persons presently, previously or potentially involved in ILC work. It offers the opportunity, especially for those in smaller institutions or working ‘in isolation’, to exchange ideas, share problems and seek advice on ILC matters in general, and UAE-related issues in particular.

ILCs 4 Schools Campaign: We hope to continue our consultancy work with local schools and hold workshop sessions to encourage the establishment of ILCs in schools. If your school is interested in setting up an ILC, please get in touch with us via tailearn@yahoo.com.

Conference Bag Newsletter: If you have an article on an issue related to independent learning, learning styles/strategies, motivation, ILCs, distance learning, independent learning materials, e-learning or IL-related action research which you would like to contribute, please contact us at tailearn@yahoo.com.

Website expansion: As always, we will be working on our site, http://ilearn.20m.com/, and looking for items and links to add.

Discussion List: To debate any and all matters directly or indirectly related to independent learning and ILCs, send a blank email to ilearn-subscribe@topica.com.

Finally, in June, our Treasurer, Beth Wallace, bid us farewell and headed Stateside. We will miss Beth’s energy, efficiency, and sense of fun. We are pleased to announce that Mairi Thomas, ILC Coordinator at the UAEU Women’s Campus has agreed to join our team. Welcome onboard, Mairi!

TESOL Arabia Perspectives, February 2005

For the last few months we’ve been busy behind the scenes updating our website, http://ilearn.20m.com/. Phil has created a new look for the site, and we have now uploaded the LI-SIG TESOL Arabia Conference 04 Newsletter, the Fall 04 News-sheet, reports and photos from recent events, more ILC Profiles and additional articles. Please take a look at our site and, if you would like to contribute, send your article to tailearn@yahoo.com. Our discussion list continues to thrive but, as always, we are looking for more people to join up with new and different questions and angles. So, if you are interested in independent learning issues, CALL, internet, IL materials, learning strategies and styles, send a blank email to ilearn-subscribe@topica.com to join.

Given that independent learning is a major life-skill which should be encouraged from a young age, one of our aims is to support local schools in the promotion of independent learning and in the creation of IL resources and the establishment of independent learning centres. If your school would like any support in exploring these directions, remember we are always ready to help.

As our longstanding Editor, Raymond Sheehan, has recently been appointed as the TESOL Arabia SIG Coordinator, we have elected a new Editor for our publications: David Dixon, IL Coordinator, HCT-FJW. We deeply appreciate Raymond’s support, input, hard work and creativity in all areas of LI-SIG activities, and particularly with regard to the upgrading of our newsletters. We wish you all the best in your new post, Raymond, and extend a very warm welcome to David.

Diary Dates: February 17, 05: IL Morning, Fujeirah
April 14, 05: Tactile Tasks and Technical Tips 3, PI, Abu Dhabi
May 12, 05: TTTT Roadshow, Al Ain
TACON 05: SIG Speaker - Terry Lamb, U/Sheffield, UK

TESOL Arabia Perspectives, October 2004
The aims of the Learner Independence SIG group are to:

Promote and support the principles of learner independence.
Provide a forum for the discussion of shared concerns and issues.
Encourage the sharing and exchange of knowledge, skills and experiences.
Offer ideas and practical solutions for implementing varied independent learning schemes.
Facilitate networking amongst practitioners.
Support the establishment and upgrading of ILCs.
Encourage the development of innovative approaches and materials for IL.
Support and participate in research projects in this field.
Our activities in this coming academic year will include:
ILC Visit, ILC Coordinators’ Forum meeting, workshops, conference presentations, SIG news-sheet, Conference Bag newsletter, and a SIG Speaker (Terry Lamb, University of Sheffield, UK) at the TESOL Arabia International Conference.
In addition, Tactile Tasks and Technical Tips 3 is scheduled for Abu Dhabi in April, our first TTTT Roadshow will be held in Al Ain in May, and an ‘Independent Learning Morning’ is planned for Fujairah in February.
The LI SIG Group is very pleased to welcome Beth Wallace from UAEU as a new Co-chair. Her main jobs will be managing our annual budget and promoting our SIG interests in Al Ain. Heather Baba, Phil Cozens and Raymond Sheehan are continuing in their usual co-chair roles.
The ilearn discussion list will be active again this year - send a blank email to ilearn-subscribe@topica.com to join, and our already extensive website (http://ilearn.20m.com/) is undergoing further expansion. For information about all events, send a message to us at tailearn@yahoo.com, check our website or contact your local rep for details.

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TESOL Arabia Perspectives, May 2004
At the TESOL Arabia Conference 2004, we were delighted to have Jeremy Harmer as our SIG Speaker. There was a packed house, with standing room only, listening to Jeremy outlining examples of learner training in course books and discussing how dictionaries can facilitate independent study. As always, at the conference, it was great to meet and exchange ideas with people from around the Gulf and beyond who are interested in independent learning, and who are on our discussion list (http://topica.com/lists/ilearn). We hope that all members received the LI-SIG Conference Newsletter in their bags, but if you did not, it can be downloaded from our website Archive, http://ilearn.20m.com/.
On February 12th, we ran our Certificate Course, ILCs: From Plans to Practice at HCT Ras Al Khaimah Women’s College. This event attracted both ILC practitioners and representatives from local schools. The sessions covered planning an ILC, the daily operation and organization of an ILC and presentations of a wide range of paper-based and CALL materials for independent learning. The presenters were: Janine Welsby (RKW), Darcy Harris (RKM), Phil Cozens (PI), Raymond Sheehan (RKM) and Heather Baba (MLI). We would like to acknowledge the fantastic support we received from HCT-RKW for this event.
Tactile Tasks and Technical Tips 2 was held at the Petroleum Institute, Abu Dhabi on 8th April. There was a total of 20 hands-on tactile and technical workshops – everyone said they were spoilt for choice! Thank you to all presenters for volunteering their time and sharing their knowledge. Over 140 people attended and we received support from Macmillan Education, Arab Gulf Education, Pearson Education, the Jarir Bookstore and YL SIG. We appreciate the generosity of the Petroleum Institute, and highly commend the PI students who presented and assisted with the organization of the event.
The year is not over yet for us! On 22 April, Al Sukaineh School, Dubai is hosting a visit to the school’s ILC, and on May 5th, we will be at HCT-SJM to visit their newly relocated and revamped ILC.
Finally, we are sorry to announce that one of our Co-Chairs, Adrianna Sutherland, is leaving the UAE – thank you Adrianna for all your moral, practical and professional support over the years.
We hope everyone has a relaxing summer, and don’t forget to check our website (http://ilearn.20m.com/) regularly for updates.

TESOL Arabia Perspectives, February 2004
In the last few months we have been working hard behind the scenes updating our website http://ilearn.20m.com/. David Palfreyman has made a superb job of updating the bibliography on the site, we have added some more articles, upgraded the site, revamped the layout, added more links and posted photographs of Melbourne ILCs. Our Fall 2003 News-sheet is also available there if you did not receive a hard copy.
We shared insights gained at the ILA, Melbourne Conference with ILC Personnel at a meeting of the ILC Coordinators Forum on 15 October at Stafford Associates, Dubai. Again we were pleased to meet up with colleagues from a range of local institutions. We cascaded ideas, workshops, issues and worksheets from Melbourne, showed a video of an ILC in NZ for comparison with our set-ups and discussed current IL-related issues in the UAE.
On 16 October, Heather presented another session in her on-going research into Study Skills: The School Curriculum`s Hidden Agenda. A full report of this project can be found at http://ilearn.20m.com/ssproj.html.
Diary Dates:
· On 12 February 2004, 9 - 3:30, we are holding a rerun of our Certificate Course ILCs: From Plans to Practice at Ras Al Khamiah Women`s College. This event will comprise 3 sessions: ILC tour and an explanation of ILC operations and philosophy; an analysis of ILC planning issues, and a discussion and advice re ILC materials and activities. Pre-registration is essential, and participants are limited to 40. Members 20 DHS, non-members 50 DHS - cost includes lunch and certificate. Register via: hmbaba@yahoo.co.uk.
· The 2nd Tactile Tasks and Technical Tips Event will be held at the Petroleum Institute on 8 April. Check our website for updates.
· February 6th is the deadline for contributions to our 3rd TACON Newsletter. Please send articles on IL-related themes, IT, CALL, internet, ILCs, IL materials and activities to tailearn@yahoo.com.
· One project we feel to be most worthwhile is supporting local teachers in their endeavours to incorporate IL into the classroom and to establish learning resource facilities in their schools. A meeting of interested teachers is planned for March in Dubai. If a representative from your school would like to attend, please contact Fareeda Al Sharif for details - mailto:fareeda_alsharaf@hotmail.com.
Finally, our SIG Speaker at TACON 2004 will be Jeremy Harmer, editor of the Longman Methodology Series.
See you in Dubai!

TESOLArabia Perspectives, October 2003
Upon our return from annual leave, our main focus was the ILA Conference is Melbourne: compiling our publicity package to establish contacts, preparing our presentation and finding winter clothes to wear! We are planning to cascade ideas and information from this conference at the ILC Coordinators' Forum on October 15. (Reports from the ILA and the ILCCF are now available on our website.)
Heather continued the joint LI/T.Ed Sig research into study, learning and life skills required for successful study at the tertiary level at the Fujairah Chapter Meeting on 16 October . (Details of this project can be found at http://ilearn.20m.com/.) Phil did a fascinating presentation at the ESP Conference demonstrating his research into classroom language issues in Math lessons. At that conference it was good to meet up with one of our staunchest supporters, Neil McBeath from Oman, and also David Palfreyman, who has done a superb job of updating the bibliography on our website.
We have also contributed to the LI-SIG IATEFL Poland Newsletter and details of our activities were included in the latest online AILA Newsletter. On the subject of newsletters, we hope to produce a news-sheet this fall and also a bumper newsletter for the conference bag. So, if you would like to contribute to either, please send your ideas and articles to tailearn@yahoo.com.
We are planning another ILC Visit early next year, and also plan to hold a second Tactile Tasks and Technical Tips event. Please check our website for more information, or join our discussion list. (Send a blank email to ilearn-subscribe@topica.com.)

TESOLArabia Perspectives, May 2003
The Learner Independence SIG has been active in various locations over the last few months.
On Wednesday, February 26, the 3rd Annual ILC Visit was held at the Learning Enhancement Centre, Zayed University, Dubai, by invitation of Robin Sorflaten, LEC Coordinator. Approximately 40 people attended and participated in a treasure hunt activity and a group discussion about the LEC facilities. There was also an explanation of peer-tutoring given by ZU students and a demonstration of theme-based activity files. Thanks to Robin and his team for an informative and enjoyable afternoon.
SIG Chairs have given presentations at several local conferences: ESP Conference, MLI-T2T and the Ajman/UAQ Conference. This latter workshop, presented jointly with T.Ed SIG, was part of our ongoing research into study skills needed for tertiary education. Reports to date and an outline of this project can be viewed at http://ilearn.20m.com/ssproj.html
At TACON 2003, we were delighted to welcome Dr. Rebecca Oxford as our SIG speaker. Powerpoint slides from her sessions are now available on our website: http://ilearn.20m.com. We held our 2nd ILC Coordinators' Forum, 'ILCs in the IT Age' at the Conference. Participants were involved in creating charts for the distribution of IL/C activities in given scenarios, and discussing technology issues and non-technology-based alternative activities. LI-SIG also produced a newsletter for the conference which has been uploaded to our website.
LI-SIG and T.Ed SIG held a joint venture on April 24th at the Petroleum Institute, Abu Dhabi, the first ever Tactile Tasks and Technical Tips Event.   This was a morning of practical workshops including sessions on practical projects, using realia, pictures and toys, newspaper activities, interactive reading tasks, learning training, and hands-on computer sessions on Powerpoint, Excel, WORD, making webquests and internet activities, creating student homepages and forming student email forums. Our thanks to the PI for their generosity and to all the presenters, volunteers, and participants for making our event such a success.
We have recently started some consultancy sessions to help local schools set up ILCs and would like to assist them further by collecting resources such as magazines, kids' comics, children`s books, games and toys, and any other activities or materials which could be adapted for independent learning. So, if you are spring-cleaning or sorting out your worldly goods ready for departure and would like to donate any materials to this project, please contact us via tailearn@yahoo.com and we will arrange collection.
We have been busy expanding our website, including a new page with lots of ideas for setting up ILCs. Our discussion list, which can be joined by sending a blank email to ilearn-subscribe@topica.com, also provides useful and informative advice, anecdotes and ideas about a variety of IL/C and general teaching issues.
We are now working on our plans for next year. We hope to run our Workshop Series ILCs: From Plans to Practice, hold another ILC Coordinators' Forum meeting, arrange an ILC Visit, organize another TTTT event and give a variety of workshops throughout the UAE. Please check our website regularly for updates or contact us direct via tailearn@yahoo.com.

TESOLArabia Perspectives, February 2003
Our recent activities and plans for the next few months illustrate the range of our aims and interests.
In October, we organized the first ever LI-SIG UAE ILC Coordinators' Forum at Stafford Associates, Dubai. This was attended by seventeen ILC Personnel from eleven different educational establishments. Our discussions on common concerns were varied and lively, and it proved to be a good opportunity to lay the groundwork for future cooperation and collaboration. Our second meeting (ILCs in the IT Age), will take place at the TESOL Arabia Conference, and we hope that delegates interested in independent learning from other institutions home and abroad will be able to join us to share their issues and insights.
On Wednesday, February 26 (2 - 4 pm), the 3rd Annual ILC Visit will be held at the Learning Enhancement Centre, Zayed University, Dubai, by invitation of Robin Sorflaten, LEC Coordinator. The LEC is a fully-equipped, multi-faceted facility, which incorporates many diverse independent learning initiatives, and houses a wide variety of materials. It promises to be a very interesting and informative afternoon.
January 9th was the date of our first Joint Presentation with the Teacher Education SIG, represented by Celine Kamhieh (Chair). The Abu Dhabi Chapter session, entitled 'The School Curriculum`s Hidden Dimension', led to the collation of some extremely useful practical techniques and activities which could be employed to prepare students for the life-skills, language learning skills, behaviours and attitudes viewed as desirable by tertiary teachers at entry to the that level. This workshop will be repeated at the Ajman Conference (20 February), and it is hoped to gain further data for compilation into a pamphlet for circulation via the Educational Zones. LI-SIG and T.Ed SIG have another joint venture planned for April 24th, 9 - 12:30, kindly hosted by the Petroleum Institute, Abu Dhabi. This will be a morning of practical workshops entitled Tactile Tasks and Technical Tips, focusing on the creation and use of visual-tactile materials, and the advancement of technical skills. (For more information, please contact tailearn@yahoo.com, check our website http://ilearn.20m.com/, or watch out for updates from your Chapter Representative.)
We are delighted to announce that Rebecca Oxford will be our SIG speaker at the TESOL Arabia Conference. Her LI-SIG workshop, : "Optimizing Your Students' Learning Styles, Strategies, and English Language Performance," promises to provide participants with highly useable activities to try out with our students.
Our discussion list, which can be joined by sending a blank email tomailto:ilearn-subscribe@topica.com, continues to provide an informal forum for the debate of a varied selection of independent learning and everyday teaching topics. Finally, if you did not receive a copy of our November News-sheet, it can be downloaded from the Archives section of our website, and we also hope you will enjoy our second Conference Bag Newsletter.
We look forward to meeting new and old friends in Dubai!

TESOL Arabia Perspectives, October 2002
The primary aim of the Learner Independence SIG is to promote the development of independent learning at all levels of education, in order to provide learners with a sound basis for lifelong learning. We attempt to do this within the context of the best theories, principles and practices of independent
learning developments worldwide.
Last year, our efforts were hugely supported by Dr Barbara Sinclair who contributed to our TESOL Arabia Conference Newsletter, website and discussion list, and was our guest speaker at the TESOL Arabia 2002 Conference. We also organized our second annual ILC visit, developed workshops on fostering independent learning and establishing ILCs, participated in local and national conferences and continued the expansion of our website.
For this academic year, our plans include a visit to the Learning Enhancement Center at Zayed University, Dubai; a morning of practical hands-on materials-making workshops (venue TBA); a third Certificate Course on ILCs: From Plans to Practice, this time at HCT-RAK, as well as making contributions to local Chapters and Regional Conferences. We are currently planning the first ever ILC Coordinators' Forum, scheduled for 23 October, and hosted by Stafford Associates, Dubai. For more details of these events, activities updates and ideas related to independent learning, please check our website (http://ilearn.20m.com/) regularly. We are also hoping to produce a news-sheet in November and a Conference Newsletter. If you would like to contribute to these publications or our website, please contact us via tailearn@yahoo.com. Our lively and informative discussion list offers the opportunity for people to share ideas, problems and solutions on CALL, ILCs, IL activities, internet, conferences, reviews and links. Please send a blank email tomailto:ilearn-subscribe@topica.com to join.
Lastly, we would like to introduce our new administrative Co-Chair and Treasurer, Adrianna Sutherland, a staunch supporter of LI-SIG since the beginning, who replaces the (almost) irreplaceable, and definitely irrepressible, Alison Curtis.
Whatever your level of interest in leaner independence, we are always here to help, so please don't hesitate to get in touch.

TESOL Arabia Newsletter, May 2002
The last few weeks have been quite busy for the Learner Independence SIG!
At TACON 2002, Dr. Barbara Sinclair, as our SIG Speaker, provided delegates with useful guidelines for designing independent learning tasks in the SIG Session, Recipes for Learner Training Tasks. The Featured Session, Language Learning Lite, focused on learners? consumer-driven expectations vs their own sense of personal responsibility for learning. These abstracts, together with our Conference Newsletter (sponsored by Suco Enterprises, Dubai) containing, inter alia, an interview with Dr. Sinclair, will shortly be on our website http://ilearn.20m.com. At the Conference, a varied menu of presentations on differing aspects of independent learning testified to an ever-increasing interest in this pedagogical area.
On April 24, we held our ILCs: From Plans to Practice Certificate workshops at AAW-HCT. The sessions were led by Duncan Murphy, Brenda Boyle and Janet Lunam from HCT, Joanne Mynard and Robin Sorflaten from ZU, and Heather Baba (UAEU) a fine example of how the umbrella of TESOL Arabia facilitates cooperation between educational institutions. Thirty participants representing a wide range of schools and colleges throughout the UAE attended the workshops. LI-SIG are hoping to repeat these sessions in Ras Al Khaimah in 2003, so if you are interested in attending, please contact us via tailearn@yahoo.com.
In addition, on April 18, LI-SIG Co-Chairs assisted with the organization of the Al Ain Regional Conference and gave presentations and CALL workshops.
At this time of year, we usually update our website, so if you are spring-cleaning your file folders and find any articles, activities, reviews, information, conference reports, tips or links on IL-related issues or themes which you would like to share, please send them to the email above for publication on our website by our NEW webmaster, Phil Cozens. Our thanks go to Jessie Hayden for her sterling work in remodeling and re-establishing our website. Good luck, Stateside, Jessie.
If you have any ideas for LI-SIG activities, or could present a session for us, or host an event, please contact us. Would you like to be the contact person for your institution? If so, please send us an email. For anyone interested in independent learning issues, don't forget to join our discussion list at http://topica.com/lists/ilearn. Finally, if you are setting up an ILC and need support, we would be glad to help.

TESOL Arabia Newsletter, February 2002
Learner Independence SIG members were actively involved in the Regional Conference in Ras Al Khaimah last November giving varied presentations under the theme of 'Fostering Learner Independence'. Heather Baba was invited to give the Opening Remarks and also presented a session on 'Promoting IL in the Classroom' which comprised an investigation into the micro-skills, attitudes and abilities needed for tertiary study and for life.
On 13 February, the second annual ILC Visit took place. This year, this event was hosted by Zayed University, Abu Dhabi. Approximately 40 visitors (from tertiary and secondary establishments) and from as far away as Ras Al Khaimah) had the opportunity to explore the recently opened Learning Enhancement Center and participate in hands-on treasure hunt tasks and materials evaluation activities organized by the LEC Coordinator, Joanne Mynard. Tours around the library were also available. Our sincerest thanks go to Joanne and her team of student and staff assistants, who helped with the administration of the event, produced attendance certificates, took photographs, and also organised a prize raffle!   We would also like to thank Zafar Syed and Kathy Bird for publicizing this event, and Alison Curtis for being on hand to deal with Conference Registrations. If YOUR institution would like to showcase its ILC next year, please contact us via tailearn@yahoo.com
Due to restrictions imposed by Freeservers.com, we have relocated our website to http://ilearn.20m.com/. Thanks to Jessie Hayden, it has recently been revamped, upgraded and extended, and now also includes some beautiful Arabian landscapes photography by Tony Quirke. Our international discussion list is still thriving with a varied diet of news and views on independent learning-related issues. Visit http://topica.com/lists/ilearn to join.
On Wednesday, April 24th, we are organizing a rerun of our 3 session Certificate Course ILCs: From Plans to Practice for anyone wishing to gain practical ideas about setting up an ILC. This event will take place at the Al Ain Women`s College, HCT. If you would like to participate, please contact us as soon as possible.
Finally, we would like to announce that our SIG Session at the TESOL Arabia Conference this year will be given by Dr. Barbara Sinclair, co-author of the TEFL classic, 'Learning to Learn English'. After a whistle-stop tour last year organized by HCT, Dr. Sinclair has accepted our invitation to return to the UAE to share her experience and insights with TESOL Arabia delegates.
We hope to meet some of our SIG and list-members at the Conference Meet the SIG Chairs Session, and put faces on names! So, see you at the Abu Dhabi Hilton, inshallah!

TESOL Arabia Newsletter, October 2001
Since June, our efforts have been focused on relocating our email discussion list due to the closure of the free Listbot service. You can now join in our list discussions via ilearn-subscribe@topica.com or http://topica.com/lists/ilearn . Topics so far this year have included 'coping with dependent learners', speaking activities for ILCs', 'learner dictionaries, and our usual exchange of tips and anecdotes. Our archived discussions from Listbot have been reformatted and can be found on our website http://ilearn@8m.com. We hope these will be a useful resource for ideas and teaching/learning strategies.
Following the success of our ILCs: From Plans to Practice sessions at TESOLArabia 2001, we would like to organize an ILC Day during this academic year. Before planning this, we need to assess demand/interest; therefore, if you would like to attend, please contact us at tailearn@yahoo.com, or FAX to: Heather Baba, UGRU-EFL, UAEU, 971 3 7658443, so that we make arrangements to suit the majority.
Our next news-sheet should be available early November. If you would like to contribute an article, an IL activity, IL-related research, an ILC profile, CALL/book review, or suggest some useful links for our Conference 2002 News-sheet or our website, please get in touch. Also, if you have any suggestions for LI-SIG workshops and activities, or would like to host an ILC visit, we would be delighted to hear from you.
Meanwhile, LI-SIG will be supporting the RAK Regional Conference, so we hope to meet you there!

TESOL Arabia Newsletter, May 2001
The Learner Independence SIG had a busy time at the TESOLArabia 2001 Conference. Our innovatory Certificate Course, ILCs: From Plans to Practice, was highly complimented and well-attended. Certificates were awarded to the 13 delegates who were able to participate in all 3 sessions. We extend our congratulations to them, and our most sincere thanks to the presenters: Laila Hawker (ILCC, DWC-HCT) for hosting and coordinating the LI-SIG Session; Janet Lunam, Stephen O`sullivan (ILC, DMC-HCT), Jo Mynard and Robin Sorflaten (LEC, ZU) for their interactive investigation of ILC materials; and Heather Baba (LI-SIG Co-Chair) for providing insights into ILC planning issues. We hope to organize a similar ILC Day one weekend in the fall. (If you are interested in attending, please contact us via ilearn-owner@listbot.com for more information, or FAX to: Heather Baba, UGRU-EFL, UAEU, 971 3 7658443.)
Our discussion list is buzzing with a wide variety of independent learning and technology topics and opinions from all over the world. If you would like to participate, please send an email to ilearn-subscribe@listbot.com to join. Our efforts to expand our website (http://ilearn.8m.com) continue, so do check out our recent updates. If you would like to contribute an article, an IL activity, IL-related research, an ILC profile, CALL/book review, or suggest some useful links for either the website or our next (Fall 2001) news-sheet, please get in touch..
We have a new Co-Chair on our team now: Jessie Hayden (UAEU) has replaced Paolo Rossetti as our web-site and technology coordinator. Paolo made a great contribution to LI-SIG by establishing our website, setting up the mailing list, and giving training, support and advice on technology issues to SIG members, and most importantly, creating a solid foundation of technological expertise upon which Jessie can build.
And finally, if you were unable to attend the Conference and would like a copy of our latest news-sheet, this can now be downloaded from our website; and, if you have any suggestions for LI-SIG workshops and activities, or would like to host an ILC visit, we would be delighted to hear from you. Have a lovely summer vacation!

TESOL Arabia Newsletter, March 2001
The last few months have been quite busy for LI-SIG. Co-Chairs have given presentations at the One-Day Regional Conferences in Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, RAK and Al Ain. Heather has also done a session on 'Guidelines for the Creation of Self-access (Grammar) Worksheets' for the local TESOL Group in Fujeirah, in addition to leading hands-on computer sessions in Dubai (Al Mizher School) and Al Ain (Boys' Model School), where participants experimented with model self-access worksheet formats. If you would like to adapt these worksheet formats for your own use, they can be downloaded from our website, http://ilearn.8m.com.
In November, a small group visited the ILC at Mezyad Girls' School, Al Ain. This ILC, created by a band of extremely dedicated teachers, is inspirational. It is a colourful, low-tech, low budget facility, with varied staff/student donated materials, student-operated power-point computer, coombers, curriculum-based worksheets and a majilis corner. It combines the innovative use of secondhand, inexpensive and recycled items with genuine creativity and ingenuity. (A full description is available on our website.)
We hope you received a copy of our last news-sheet and that you find the Conference edition useful. (If you are unable to attend the conference, please contact us at ilearn-owner@listbot.com for a copy.) Our discussion list is growing steadily and we enjoy a varied diet of information, problems and tips on IL-related issues. (Send a blank email to ilearn-subscribe@listbot.com to join.) Paolo has updated our website twice recently. New items include an extensive bibliography of IL texts, instructions for making self-access materials, anecdotes ('bloopers'!) and ideas for promoting independent learning in the classroom. Remember, if YOU have any articles, research, ideas or advice to share, please send your contributions to ilearn-owner@listbot.com or FAX to: Paolo Rossetti (UGRU-UAEU) 971 3 7658443.
Preparations are now underway for TESOLArabia, Dubai 2001. Witness another 'first' for LI-SIG! - the first TESOLArabia (SIG) discussion list, the first visit, and now? We are delighted to announce that, in conjunction with HCT/ZU ILC personnel, we have permission to offer a participation certificate in ILCs: From Plans to Practice to delegates who attend all of the following sessions:
'ILC in Action', LI-SIG Session, Laila Hawker (A chance to visit DWC ILC with an overview and discussion on ILC roles, operations, organization, materials, concerns and practicalities.)
`self-access? Yes. Independent??' Stephen O`sullivan, Janet Lunam, Jo Maynard and Robin Sorflaten. (A brainstorming and hands-on workshop with opportunities for using, selecting and discussing IL-appropriate activities.)
'Help! I'm a Teacher, Not a Librarian', Heather Baba. (A presentation of guidelines for planning and implementing an independent learning resource facility.)
Full details of this Award scheme will be published in the Conference Book.
See you in Dubai!

TESOL Arabia Newsletter, November 2000
As LI-SIG has 2 new Co-Chairs this semester, we would first like to acknowledge the efforts of our out-going Chairs, George and Geraldine Kershaw, and thank them for their assistance in founding LI-SIG. Our new Co-Chairs are Alison Curtis (UAEU), who has agreed to organise events, paperwork and publicity; and Raymond Sheehan (HCT-RKM), our new Editor. We feel that it will be highly beneficial to the SIG to have Chairs based in different institutions and locations.
This semester, Heather Baba is continuing her "Guidelines for the Creation of Self-access Worksheets" workshops. The first follow-up, 'hands-on' session, where participants can put theory into practice, is to be held in Dubai on 9 November. At the time of going to press, we are busy arranging our first ILC 'tour' in conjunction with Mezyed School in Al Ain, which established its own ILC two years ago. We hope that this 'tour' will encourage other schools in the area to consider setting up IL facilities. LI-SIG Chairs will be available for consultation on any and all IL matters at the Sharjah Conference. We also hope that the second edition of our News-sheet will be in circulation by then. If you do not receive a copy, please contact us via the addresses below.

TESOL Arabia Newsletter, June 2000
As a newly established SIG, we have spent much of the past 3 months promoting LI-SIG, setting up a web-site and making new contacts. These will be the foundations upon which we hope to build in the coming academic year. At TESOLARABIA 2000, the SIG Co-Chairs led a session entitled 'ILC-Appropriate Materials, Activities and Technologies'. The ideas and opinions voiced in this session have now been summarised, and can be viewed on our web-site: http://www.ilearn.8m.com   Other sessions presented since February include: `self-Access Answer Keys' (CTELT) and 'Guidelines for the Production of Self-Access Materials' (Al Ain). We plan to combine these titles into a modular practical workshop series in 2000-1. Our email discussion list has 68 subscribers to date, 29 of whom are UAE-based. The list has generated an enlightening exchange of views and ideas with IL practitioners both nationally and internationally. To join, please send a blank email to: ilearn-subscribe@listbot.com We are actively seeking IL-related articles, reviews, ideas and research reports for the web-site, the next news-sheet and proposed newsletter. Please send any contributions via email to: ilearn-owner@listbot.com, or FAX to: Paolo Rossetti (UGRU-UAEU) (971) 3 7658443. Suggestions for IL-related activities and projects are always welcome, so please get in touch.

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