This presentation was given at the 4th JALT Joint Tokyo conference held at Toyo Gakuen University, Hongo, Japan on October 11th, 2009. Presenters: Sarah Louisa Birchley and Andy Boon (Toyo Gakuen University) Abstract: This presentation will provide an overview of 'What the "Good Language Learner" can teach us' (Rubin, 1975), and detail the theory behind the design of a new 2nd-year English course, ALPS (Academic Learning and Professional Skills), which is aimed at further developing 'good language learners ' at a Japanese university. The strengths and limitations of the course will be discussed. Finally, we will hear from the learners themselves regarding their learner strategies and language learning experiences.

1. Successful Language Learners and What They Can Teach Us “By looking at what is going on inside the good language learner, we may be led to well-developed theories of the processing of linguistic information which can be taught to others ”.

2. Making Molehills out of Mountains: Realizing Learner Potential and Creating Opportunities Sarah Louisa Birchley, Andrew Boon, AyaMizue and Hiroshi Okamura

3. Making Molehills out of Mountains Why molehills and mountains? What do successful language learners do to be successful? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?

4. What the “Good Language Learner” Can Teach Us (Rubin, 1975) The good language learner is a willing and good guesser. The good language learner is motivated to communicate. The good language learner doesn’t worry about appearing foolish, is willing to make mistakes and take risks. The good language learner attends to form. The good language learner practices, uses new knowledge, creates opportunities to use the L2 both inside and outside of the classroom. The good language learner monitors speech. The good language learner attends to meaning. The good language learner makes the learning event meaningful in order to remember it.

5. Making Molehills out of ALPS The Academic Learning and Professional Skills course How can we use what we know about successful learners? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?

6. To develop specific skills required for academic business reading and writing To develop skills necessary to listen and talk about a range of issues pertinent to modern society

7. To undertake basic research on various topics via internet, library, and through various quantitative and qualitative research methods To develop presentation skills via the use of posters and PowerPoint to communicate research findings in English

8. To develop skills necessary to undertake and succeed in a variety of examinations including BULATS and IELTS To foster the knowledge and creativity to survive in the modern academic and business world

9. 基礎英語 応用英語 専門英語 専門英語 Entrance Test Entrance Test 学部・レベル別 合同 ALPS Course (人文／現代)

10. 30 week course 2 x 90 minutes per week 2 credits Academic skills textbook CALL room and regular classroom

11. Skills Building Test Practice Practical Projects

14. From the voice of the successful learner…

15. AyaMizue

16. Experiences In Hawaii At Junior High School

17. Changing my study style

18. IN ALPS

20. Hiroshi Okamura

21. Questions & Discussion