Using logbooks with second and foreign language learners in higher education: Learner autonomy in progress

Abstract

This paper reports data from a study recently carried out with university language students attending a Master's degree programme in Language Sciences. The study aimed at exploring to what extent logbook writing could allow them to progress in their learner autonomy by engaging in more reflective, conscious, and responsible second/foreign language learning. The class was asked first to write a logbook for a week with the purpose of keeping track of their personal language learning process and then to answer some reflective questions to give an account of their perception about the logbook experience. By taking an interpretive approach to the investigation and adopting qualitative data analysis, it was found that the logbook was generally perceived as useful in improving language learning and stimulating meta-cognitive reflection, self-awareness and learner's intervention. While limits were identified in the use of this tool (i.e., persistence needed to regularly keep logs, time availability and appropriate organisation skills), some students declared their intention to use the logbook in the future, after making personalised adjustments according to their learning needs and goals.