Pinned to the margins? The contextual shaping of academic language and learning practice

Authors

  • Marie Denise Stevenson University of South Australia
  • Beverley Anne Kokkinn University of South Australia

Keywords:

academic language and learning, theoretical frameworks, contexts

Abstract

The formation of the Association for Academic Language and Learning in 2005 was a significant move, not only towards a greater cohesion among Academic Language and Learning (ALL) practitioners in Australia but also for the recognition of this group as a professional entity by both academic and broader communities. In a paper presented to the 2005 national conference O'Regan identified the development of theoretical frameworks as characteristic of any profession. She presented a number of frameworks used in the past decade to describe the work of ALL practitioners. However, the origins and evolution of all professions are also shaped significantly by their contexts. This paper foregrounds the contexts within which academic language and learning practice was formed and the ways in which these contexts continue to shape both the practice and theoretical frameworks. The contexts examined include those of higher education and academic literacies; specific institutions; specific student cohorts and student expectations. This discussion about the contextual shaping of ALL practice is needed to focus and expand our communication with each other and with the academic and broader communities and is essential to the survival and direction of ALL as a profession.

Author Biographies

Marie Denise Stevenson, University of South Australia

Learning Adviser, Learning Connection, University of South Australia

Beverley Anne Kokkinn, University of South Australia

Learning Adviser, Learning Connection, University of South Australia

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Published

2007-12-01

How to Cite

Stevenson, M. D., & Kokkinn, B. A. (2007). Pinned to the margins? The contextual shaping of academic language and learning practice. Journal of Academic Language and Learning, 1(1), A44-A54. Retrieved from https://journal.aall.org.au/index.php/jall/article/view/38

Issue

Section

Research Articles