Self-Directed Learning and Advising In Language Education, 24 April 2021
Most of the self-related phenomena studies involve one of three basic processes:
attention, cognition and regulation. All three processes are related in that gathering
attention on oneself results in self-relevant cognitions and this allows the possibility of
self-regulation; therefore, “self-regulation requires both self-attention and selfcognition” (Leary & Tangney, 2012, p. 9). In this respect, the idea of giving cards each
displaying an outstanding feature of individual trainees upon the completion of advising
training at KUIS was made into a tradition in the following training during their advisor
education program in AYBU SFL with a new group of learning advisor candidates from
the same university. In the KUIS version, each card contained the Japanese character that
corresponded to the specific quality each trainee displayed as observed by the trainers
during their intensive training program. In the AYBU-SFL version, building on this
creative idea but introducing a new perspective, specific trainee qualities were presented
in caterpillar frames representing the initial phase of their transformation. The cards,
presented alongside the course completion certificates, possess a sentimental value and
motivate the advisors to engage in further reflection as to their advisor identities. This
poster will introduce the reflective pieces in varying genres written by twenty learning
advisors who have skillfully elaborated on their advisor identities referring to their most
prominent characteristics as reflected in their end-of-the-course thank you and
appreciation cards designed by their trainers. The audience will be encouraged to analyze
how trainers’ focusing attention on the dominating characteristics of advisors’
understanding and attitude towards the science and practice of language advising effects
the way the trainees’ describe their most outstanding qualities that blend smoothly with
their identities as advisors and celebrate this moment of unification with their advisor
selves.