16th LAb session. Thursday June 18, 2026 (Online)
Theme: Getting Started with Self-Determination Theory (SDT) in Language Education
Organizers
The Research Institute for Learner Autonomy Education (RILAE) at Kanda University of International Studies (KUIS) in collaboration with the Self-Determination Theory Special Interest Group (SDT SIG) of the International Association for the Psychology of Language Learning (IAPLL).
Details
Inspired by several SDT-related events happening from May to July 2026 around the world, in our 16th RILAE LAb Session (also the Inaugural Online IAPLL SDT SIG Symposium), we will explore insights from SDT research and practice, especially intended to help colleagues in language education get started. We welcome short presentations (maximum 10 minutes; see below) from both experienced scholars and newcomers to the field to share insights and applications of SDT to language education research and practice.
We welcome short presentations from early-career researchers, practising teachers, learning advisors, and established scholars. Shortform presentations have proved a popular medium elsewhere, keeping events dynamic and varied, while giving many people opportunities to participate either live or pre-recorded. There will also be one or two longer presentations (around 20 minutes) by featured speakers, followed by a live Q&A and discussion at the end.
Confirmed speakers (so far)
- William Davis, University of Oklahoma, USA
- Jo Mynard, Kanda University of International Studies, Japan
- Abigail Parish, University of Sheffield, UK
Information for potential presenters
We would like to invite colleagues in all contexts around the world who can help us support newcomers to the field with this central question:
How Can Language Educators Get Started in SDT?
We welcome the following mini-presentation types:
Experience sharing, e.g.,
- Your story: How did you get started in SDT? (5 minutes)
- Conduct an interview with an SDT researcher (8-9 minutes)
Resource sharing (5 minutes), e.g.,
- Book reviews
- Summaries of events or presentations
- Online resources
Research insights (5 minutes), e.g.,
- Key studies suitable for replication
- Ready-to-use SDT instruments
- Which mini-theory to use for your research?
Research sharing (7-8 minutes), e.g.,
- Overviews of studies in progress
- Research summaries, including key takeaways for new researchers (these can be your own, or useful studies you are familiar with)
- How to construct or adapt a suitable research instrument?
- What artifacts are ideal for understanding our learners’ intrinsic motivation? (e.g., journals, logs, diaries, or other documentation)
- How can we learn about motivation from students’ stories?
SDT in practice (5-7 minutes), e.g.,
- Why is SDT a useful framework for language education?
- How does SDT underpin your practice?
- How do you ensure autonomy/competence/relatedness needs are being met in your context?
- Examples of language learning both within and beyond the classroom from an SDT lens.
Submission details
Online submission form opens: April 1, 2026
Deadline for presenter proposals: 22 May 2026
Presentations should be less than 10 minutes and can be presented live or pre-recorded. Feel free to submit attachments, links, and supplementary documents to accompany your presentation. With permission, presentations will be recorded and made publicly available.