Sessions /
Student-goal setting through letter writing #136

This presentation will introduce letter writing as a way to improve students’ motivation in their language learning by having them set goals that they determine. Goal-setting is an approach to develop learner autonomy in the classroom. Learner autonomy is important because students need to have a sense of control in their language learning (Benson, 2011). The presenter will share the process of using letter writing in lessons. The study gathered data from approximately 80 surveys distributed at the middle and end of term during one semester from three different classes at a Liberal Arts university. The first was a mandatory English presentation class for first-year advanced intercultural communication students. The second was an elective cross-cultural communications class for second- to fourth-year students from various faculties. The third was an elective English discussion and meeting class also for second- to fourth-year students from various faculties. The strengths and limitations of the study based on current literature and student responses will be discussed. Finally, the presenter will offer suggestions for potential ways that participants can use this activity in English classes with learners who have varying levels of proficiencies in different educational settings.