Introduction

Abstract

Welcome to this special issue of SiSAL Journal, where we feature papers from the last Research Network on Learner Autonomy (ReNLA) Symposium. The most recent Association Internationale de Linguistique Appliquée (or International Association of Applied Linguistics/ AILA) Congress took place in August 2021. The congress was carded to take place originally in 2020 in Groningen, The Netherlands. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the congress had to be postponed and took place a year later as an online event run through the University of Groningen. As part of the congress, the ReNLA held a symposium entitled “Autonomy in the time of complexity in a changing world” on August 18th. The symposium included two featured speakers and 11 presentations (for more details, check the AILA ReNLA Newsletter linked to this special issue). SiSAL Journal usually focuses on research and practice in self-access and learning support services for language learners. However, from time to time, the journal’s scope is expanded to draw on broader areas of interest, such as language learner autonomy. When a significant conference is held, such as AILA 2021, there is an opportunity to learn from the contributions of scholars who might not normally publish their work in a journal specialising in self-access. Taking this broader view periodically in special issues of the journal allows for new explorations of broader themes that have significance to the field of self-access. In this issue, the themes of complexity, empathy, case study research and teacher education are prominent. We are delighted to feature nine contributions from colleagues based in eight different countries. There are six research-focused regular papers, one book review, a summary of the AILA 2021 symposium, and the AILA Newsletter.