Facilitating language learning through
social networking sites: Integrating
advising into online teaching :
Monitoring Learning
Discipline Workshop & Seminar Series, 2011-2012
University of Hull
Outline
What is meant by “monitoring”?
The benefits of monitoring
How can we facilitate learners to self-monitor?
References
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Monitoring learning
What do you understand by “monitoring”?
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(Think in terms of learners and teachers.)
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Monitoring – a definition and observation
“If you monitor something, you regularly check how it is
changing or progressing over a period of time”
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(Sinclair, J. (Ed.) 1993)
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“Good language learners...monitor their own performance
and revise it in order to progress towards an improved
second language command.”
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(Stern, 1983: 411)
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The value of self-monitoring
Increased self-awareness / self-discovery
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Learning styles
Awareness of the process of learning
Increased control over own performance in learning
Familiarity with strategies for effective learning
Appraisal of course in relation to own objectives
Recognition of progress
Motivation
Monitoring – action - support
“Self-monitoring means self-assessment directed towards
action.” (Dickinson, 1987: 146)
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“The ability to monitor one’s own performance is an
essential learning skill and one that therefore every
language learner must acquire.” (Dickinson, 1987: 176)
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HOW? - with support...
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Support from teachers
 Provide opportunities for learners to discover (more about)
their learning styles, e.g.
http://www.varklearn.com/english/page.asp?p=questionnaire
http://nwlink.com/~donclark/hrd/styles/honey_mumford.ht
ml
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Process of learning
Raise awareness of
HOW students learn a language now
HOW they might learn more effectively (action)
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Ask questions AND be prepared to answer questions...
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Record keeping
“Another aspect of self-monitoring is keeping records” (Dickinson,
1987: 146)
Encourage learners to
 keep learner diaries (what did I do? Did it work? Why (not)?)
 use a learning log
 use checklists
“can-do” statements
 maintain a portfolio (ELP)
 write blogs
 contribute to a wiki
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Peer support
Scope of self-monitoring
Self-monitoring can relate to very small units
 the pronunciation of a single word (with possibly
immediate self-correction)
 the accuracy of a written sentence
 being understood when taking part in a short
conversation
OR overall improvement in a particular skill
Record all
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future reflection / analysis
Peer support – some ideas
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Blogs
Wikis
Study-buddies
Shared Resources and Activities area
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https://www.livemocha.com/
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Tandem learning : http://www.slf.ruhr-unibochum.de/
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As facilitators of monitoring...
Be prepared to respond to questions regarding
 General study skills
 Language related study skills
 Specific language issues
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Provide and maintain channels of communication
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Keep up momentum
ACTIVITY to sum up
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continued motivation
References
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Dickinson, L. (1987) Self-instruction in Language Learning.
Cambridge : CUP
Websites
http://www.varklearn.com/english/page.asp?p=questionnaire
http://nwlink.com/~donclark/hrd/styles/honey_mumford
.html
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