Reading Groups

Reading Groups are dynamic professional learning communities dedicated to the exploration and discourse surrounding academic materials in the realm of Applied Linguistics and Language Education.

Here's an overview of how these Reading Groups function:

Focused Strands: Each Reading Group delves into one of the following specialized areas:

·       Computer-Assisted Language Learning

·       Applied Linguistics

·       Second Language Acquisition, with an emphasis on learners' attributes

·       Social Issues in Language Education

Regular Meetings: Group members convene monthly, utilizing online platforms to engage in in-depth discussions centered on topics pertinent to their chosen strand. These discussions are facilitated through the study of pre-assigned readings.

The monthly meetings are structured as follows:

·       Reading Assignments: The group leader distributes a selection of academic articles and/or book chapters a minimum of three weeks prior to each meeting. Ideally, this assignment takes place shortly after the previous meeting.

·       Pair Collaboration: Members form pairs to collaboratively read, discuss, and individually produce critical reflective essays based on the assigned readings. These essays are expected to be submitted before the scheduled meeting.

·       Meeting Hosting: Meetings are jointly hosted by a pair of members, and the scheduling is coordinated and confirmed by the group leader.

·       Meeting Agenda: The standard meeting agenda encompasses the following components:

o   Introduction

o   Presentation of the reading content

o   Discussion of pertinent questions and issues

Additional details on pair work:

·       Pairing: Each member is responsible for selecting a partner within the group.

·       Pair Responsibilities: Pair work entails shared responsibilities such as reading and discussing the assigned readings collaboratively (while the critical reflective writing remains an individual endeavor) and jointly hosting the group's monthly meetings as per the leader's assignments.

These Reading Groups serve as vibrant platforms for continuous learning, fostering in-depth exploration and insightful dialogue within the field of Applied Linguistics and Language Education.

Refer to the links below to access the information page of each Reading Group:

·       Computer-Assisted Language Learning

·       Applied Linguistics

·       Second Language Acquisition, with an emphasis on learners' attributes

·       Social Issues in Language Education