This volume offers a collection of essays addressing contemporary issues in foreign and second language education. In particular, it addresses language learner autonomy, both as a theoretical construct and in relation to areas of application such as the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR), the European Language Portfolio (ELP), teacher training, Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL), and minority language provision. The contributors – well-known researchers, policy makers, teachers and teacher trainers – provide a multi-faceted insight into an innovative and influential approach to language education. David Little, to whom the volume is dedicated, was Associate Professor of Applied Linguistics and Head of the School of Linguistic, Speech and Communication Sciences at Trinity College Dublin. He is recognised worldwide as a leading proponent of the theory of language learner autonomy, and has been a driving force behind many influential language education initiatives internationally.

The Editors: Breffni O’Rourke is Lecturer in Applied Linguistics in the School of Linguistic, Speech and Communication Sciences, Trinity College Dublin, where he is also Manager of Language Learning Technologies and Resources. His Ph.D. in Applied Linguistics (2003) was supervised by David Little; he also holds an M.Phil. in Linguistics (TCD) and an M.A. in German (National University of Ireland, Galway). His research interests include sociocultural and cognitive approaches to second language acquisition research; the nature of technology-mediated discourse; and the role of communication technologies in language pedagogy. Lorna Carson is Lecturer in Applied Linguistics at the Centre for Language and Communication Studies, Trinity College Dublin, where she also coordinates the CLCS Language Modules, the university’s institution-wide language programme. She holds a Ph.D. and M.Phil. in Applied Linguistics from Trinity College Dublin, and an M.A. in European Studies from the College of Europe, Belgium (Bruges). Her Ph.D., an investigation of the motivational role of goal-setting in adult refugees learning English, was supervised by David Little. Her current research interests and teaching responsibilities are in the areas of foreign and second language learning, language provision and policy, and L2 curriculum design.

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