Reflective dialogue fostering learner autonomy: a transformative change in learning Japanese as a second language

Reflection in language learning can be implemented by reflective dialogue which enables learners to re-evaluate their own past experiences and beliefs through re-interpretation. This reflective process develops metacognition in learning to promote learner autonomy. This presentation explores how reflective dialogue can affect learner autonomy by introducing two cases with different learning settings. Based on qualitative multiple datasets , one case describes how peer interactions in an eTandem influenced the learner’s belief and learner autonomy. The participant, Lea (pseudonym), is a German learner who learned Japanese in an eTandem with a Japanese learner of German for over five weeks. Authentic and personal interactions changed Lea’s perception toward Japanese (from learning objective to a tool of communication) and motivated her to learn Japanese and expanded her interest to Japanese culture. At the same time, the eTandem developed her metacognition in learning Japanese and fostered learner autonomy. The other case is an exploratory practice conducted in an advanced Japanese language class at a university. To explore their meanings of learning, dialogue sessions were conducted apart from lessons for about one hour with eight students three times in one semester. In the beginning, they perceived learning as a method to acquire linguistic competence to reach native-level fluency as much as possible. However, through the sessions, they became aware that their beliefs of language learning are affected by native-speakerism and learning should be continued as a tool to realize their future selves and create new meanings of future life. Through these cases, reflective dialogue of language learning fosters learner autonomy and brings transformation from receptive learning to productive learning as determined by the learner. In this presentation, we will discuss the importance of reflective dialogue in language learning to lead the way in fostering learner autonomy enabling the construction of a transformative mind and learning.