Speaker
Description
Self-access learning centers (SALCs) are often under-utilized, and enticing students to make use of SALC resources is a perennial challenge for institutions that have such facilities. Previous research on multi-modal book clubs for personal and professional development led to the implementation of a book club held in a SALC writing center to promote the use of the space and other SALC resources as well as to promote advanced engagement with reading in English. This presentation demonstrates the benefit of both SALCs and book clubs, and makes a case for combining these two separate resources to promote student engagement with reading outside of a classroom context. It also details challenges and successes in implementing the book club, in order to encourage educators to start book clubs in their own institutions and contexts.
Bio: Chelanna is an M.Ed TESOL student through the University of British Columbia, and a teacher at Reitaku University in Chiba. She is the Director of Program for JALT, and a founding SPIN member. She is interested in researching queer identity within TESOL.
