Welcome to the Symposium on Second Language Writing 2006, the 5th in a series of biennial gatherings of second language writing specialists from around the world. The Symposium began in 1998 as a way of bringing together internationally-recognized experts in the field of second language writing to discuss key issues in the field. This year's Symposium continues the tradition by featuring well-respected leaders in the field who will address one of the most fundamental yet often taken-for-granted issues: theory in second language writing.

2006 Theme: "Practicing Theory in Second Language Writing"

Theory is a term that has been used widely in the field of second language writing. Yet, partly due to the interdisciplinary nature of the field, the term often means different things to different people. Second language writing specialists--teachers, researchers and administrators--have yet to have an open and sustained conversation about what theory is, how it works and, more important, how to practice theory.

This year's Symposium will feature sixteen sets of distinguished speakers who will explore various aspects of theoretical work that goes on in the field of second language writing. The closing plenary will address the issue of theory in writing dissertations on second language writing. The four keynote sessions will take up the larger issue of the nature and role of theory in second language writing. Ten additional sessions feature a distinguished panel of invited speakers who will reflect on their own theoretical practices. Some of the key questions to be explored include:

The Nature of Theory. What is the nature of theory in second language writing? What role does theory play in second language writing research, instruction and administration? Is it possible (or even desirable) to develop a comprehensive theory or theories of second language writing?

Applied Theories. How do various theories from other areas of inquiry inform second language writing research, instruction and assessment? What are some of the advantages of using theories from other fields? What are some of the limitations? How can the value of new theoretical perspectives be assessed appropriately?

Theorizing and Theory Building. How do second language writing teachers, researchers and administrators develop theories of second language writing? What might a theory of second language writing look like? What is the relationship between the conceptual work of theorizing and data-driven theory building?

Practicing Theory. How might second language writing teachers, researchers and administrators deal with theory? What are some of the practical issues that arise in working with various types of theory? How do second language writing specialists learn to work with theory? How does theory inform instruction and administration as well as materials development?

The presentations will be complemented by the lively discussion during question and answer sessions and through informal conversations during the Symposium dinner.

2006 Graduate Student Conference on Second Language Writing

The Graduate Student Conference on Second Language Writing is a special event held in conjunction with the Symposium. It provides opportunities for graduate students to present their research and scholarship on second language writing and receive feedback from peers and from established scholars in the field in a supportive atmosphere. To submit a proposal, please visit:

http://symposium.jslw.org/2006/cfp.html

Additional Information

For more information about the Symposium on Second Language Writing--including past symposia and related publications--please visit http://symposium.jslw.org/.