Call for proposals
15th LAb session. Tuesday 25th November 2025
Registration link (Zoom)
Submission deadline: Friday 7th November 2025 [Proposal submission form]
Theme: Learning Environments for Everyone! Designing Accessible and Inclusive Environments for Language Learner Autonomy
In our 15th LAb session, we invite colleagues in all contexts around the world who can help us add to our understanding of how we can create environments that are intentionally designed to reduce barriers and expand possibilities for every learner. In line with the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) guidelines, every learner should be able to “engage in rigorous, meaningful learning” (CAST, 2024). Ideal environments are accessible, inclusive, and optimally challenging, empowering learners to grow as autonomous, connected, and confident participants in their learning journeys.
We would particularly like to hear from you if you are using the UDL framework to design your learning spaces. Additionally, we would like to hear from researchers and practitioners who focus on the ways that learning environments influence learner agency and autonomy.
We are particularly interested in research or practice related to the following questions:
- How can barriers to learning be reduced in (physical, digital, and social-emotional) learning spaces?
- In what ways can learning environments nurture, guide, and empower diverse (language) learners toward autonomy and agency?
- How can authentic, real-world tasks/experiences empower every learner and strengthen their sense of agency?
- What is the role of technology and learning analytics in creating responsive and adaptive environments for diverse (language) learners?
- How can technology be used ethically and inclusively to expand access and engagement for all?
- How can educators empower learners to co-design their own learning spaces, pathways, and experiences?
- How can feedback, scaffolding or assessment practices support autonomy and equitable participation, nurture belonging and connect learning to the learner?
- How do we assess the impact of intentionally designed spaces on learner motivation, agency and engagement?
- What practical applications of UDL principles (in language education) have successfully increased accessibility and engagement?