Language Advising in a Research-Intensive, Multi-Disciplinary Learning Context: Critical Reflection on the Use of Advising Strategies

Abstract

In this article, the author reflects on his recent advising with a particular student. The author mentions that in his early development as an advisor, he had no access to systematic training but refers to a course for a certificate in advising. He recently completed this course, which offers such training and was taught by Satoko Kato and Jo Mynard. In the course, participants learn 12 basic strategies for advising in language learning (ALL) meant to support reflective dialogue and discuss how to apply them in their individual contexts. During the course, participants have opportunities to practice these strategies and reflect on use of these skills in practice. Here, the author illustrates some of his deliberate use of these strategies employed in advising his student, drawing on the framework of the 12 strategies included in Kato and Mynard (2016) and detailed in the advisor training course. Additionally, he identifies some areas of continuing interest to him and research opportunities they might represent.