Learner autonomy in second language pedagogy and research – challenges and issues
by
Ekrem Şimşek
The event took place on 27-28 September on the premises of Leibniz University campus. This well-organized mini-conference, accompanied by great weather (sunny, around 20 C), offered presentations on Learner Autonomy in 2nd language pedagogy and research. Plenary speakers and presenters gave the audience a taste of both theoretical background and hands-on sessions. The programme also included several presentations on portfolio work. It was great to learn from different practitioners about their way of implementing the portfolios. Challenges and obstacles were shared and it was really interesting to realize once again that most of those are the same, no matter what the context is. That factor alone, among many others, makes attending conferences of this kind really valuable, I believe. Needless to say, seeing old friends and meeting new ones is always the bonus.
