Promoting student autonomy and lifelong learning: A self-study academic vocabulary module

Guest lecturer: Edie Furniss, University of Helsinki

Learning vocabulary is not a task that can be completed in a single course, or even several courses; it is a lifelong endeavor, even in one’s native language. In this workshop, I will share a self-study module that I created for B2-level learners of English at the University of Helsinki. The aim of the module is to promote students’ autonomy by introducing them to principles, strategies, and activities for learning vocabulary beyond the classroom. Students watch videos, then complete quizzes and exercises to activate their knowledge of the module content.

During this workshop, we will discuss how to teach academic vocabulary and vocabulary learning strategies to our students in order to promote their autonomy. Attendees will collaborate on brainstorming and planning activities related to vocabulary learning that are tailored to their own students.