Independence, Issue 37 (Spring 2006) 

LASIG Newsletter 

Editorial         The SIG is back in action with two  determined, new coordinators, Carol Everhard and Jo Mynard. And, after a vote  from members (see ‘The Great Name Debate’ below) the Newsletter and SIG have a new name, Learner Autonomy. A lot of  work has been going on behind the scenes.  Just have a look at the activity on the website  which has recently been updated thanks to  Jo. She and Carol have also contributed to  this Newsletter. In the first text, Carol provides a rationale for writing about learner autonomy and invites you to contribute to the  Learner Autonomy SIG Newsletter. In this  edition we have plenty of interesting reading,  related to learner autonomy and creativity, ICTs, testing, young learners, projects and a  book review. Jo’s article broaches the  nagging question of whether or not learner  autonomy can be measured. John Eldridge’s  article, also related to the whole question of  measurement but in a different vein, highlights the importance of student responsive systems. Brendan O Sé’s article  appeared in the last edition of the Newsletter,  however, it was incomplete on that occasion, apologies and thanks to Brendan for your  patience. Lynne Cameron’s article is related  to creativity in language learning and  teaching, while Rania Khalil Jabr outlines a  role for webquests where creativity, independence and motivation are concerned.  Shu-Hua Kao reports on a six-month action  research exploring the promotion of learner  autonomy in a more traditional EFL primary  classroom, while the Turkish Center for  Schools of Quality announces the start of  their IT SEAGULLS Project in its 3rd year.  Russell Whitehead’s column “Learning  Matters” (submitted last July) is, as always, a must. We conclude with Jo Mynard’s comprehensive book review of Learner autonomy across cultures: language education perspectives. Palfreyman, D. &  Smith, R. (Eds.) Hampshire, UK: Palgrave  Macmillan Ltd., 2003.   It only remains for me to reiterate what the  acting coordinators say: we need you, SIG  members, Newsletter readers, researchers,  teachers, reviewers: We need you to  contribute to the SIG, to keep it alive. We are  looking forward to receiving your  contributions related to Learner Autonomy.  The contributions in this Newsletter are certainly worth reading, and invite comment and response. We will be more than happy to publish your contributions.  IN THIS ISSUE     Editorial Veronica Colwell 1 Autonomy and the language classroom: Opening a can of worms Carol Everhard 2 Measuring Learner Autonomy:  Can it be done? Jo Mynard 3 Grade ‘B’: The Challenge to Learning Independence John Eldridge 6 Designing your own language exercises  using information technology Brendan O Sé 10 Creativity in the language Classroom Lynne Cameron 14 The role of webquests in reading and writing instruction Rania Khalil Jabr 21 Promoting Learner Autonomy in  Primary School Students in the Teaching Context in Taiwan Shu-Hua Kao 23 2006 IT Seagulls Projects Turkish Center for Schools of Quality/QOMER 24 Learning Matters Russell Whitehead 26 Book Review Jo Mynard 28 The ‘Great Name’ Debate 30 SIG Messages 31

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