Abstract
Throughout the last two decades, scholarship discussing learner development and autonomy has expanded from viewing the learner as one who possesses intrinsic or extrinsic motivation to a performer who to varying degrees invests as an agent in the learning process, particularly when able to pursue her or his passions. With this expansion in mind, the authors sought to look back at the trajectory of their experiences in a second language communication and composition course in order to more deeply understand the roles of agency and investment in their own and fellow classmates' learning. As such, this research examines the role of project-based learning activities that attempt to bridge the learners' personal passions and professional interests. Seven student-researchers reported via written narrative how such a bridging approach in the multilingual writing environment supported learner investment and agency. Student responses speak to the need for a stronger sense of connection among their disciplinary studies, personal interests, and even instructors, and highlight the ways in which investment and agency are associated with ideas about learner affect, learner identity, learner autonomy and language acquisition.
About the authors
Marlen Harrison is an assistant professor of English and writing at the University of Tampa, USA. His focus as an instructor-researcher is in multilingual and applied writing studies as well as language, pedagogy and identity.
Maiju Uusipaikka is a Master's student in the department of psychology at the University of Jyväskylä, Finland. She is interested in child and developmental psychology as well as pedagogy and education.
Annika Karinen is a Master's student in the department of psychology at the University of Jyväskylä, Finland. Annika is also interested in interpersonal and abnormal psychology.
Tanja Räsänen is a Master's student in the department of psychology at the University of Jyväskylä, Finland. Tanja is also interested in child development and motherhood studies.
Diana Raitala is a Master's student in the department of ethnology at the University of Jyväskylä, Finland. Diana is also interested in gender, sexuality and legal studies.
Reetta Ellonen is a Master's student in the department of psychology at the University of Jyväskylä, Finland. Reetta is also interested in child development and motherhood studies.
Hanna Huumonen is a Master's student in the department of philosophy at the University of Jyväskylä, Finland. Hanna is also interested in dance and performance studies.
Otto Tuomela is a Master's student in the department of philosophy at the University of Jyväskylä, Finalnd. Otto is also interested in education and religious studies.
©[2013] by Walter de Gruyter Berlin Boston
