What really motivates the students who work behind the scenes in self-access learning centres (SALCs)? These are the places where learners take ownership of their language learning, and where peer support, autonomy, and personal growth flourish, often quietly, but powerfully.
We’re thrilled to announce the upcoming release of Pulling Back the Curtain in Self-Access: Stories of Student Staff Member Motivation by Christopher Phelps, launching on November 20.
https://www.candlinandmynard.com/selfaccessstories.html
In this fascinating and heartfelt book, Phelps invites readers into the world of student staff members (SSMs) at Japanese universities. Drawing on rich personal narratives and grounded in Self-Determination Theory, the book explores what drives SSMs to engage deeply in their roles — from a desire to help others, to developing competence and belonging in a community of learners.
Pulling Back the Curtain in Self-Access is not just about research; it’s about people. It highlights how autonomy, relatedness, and self-reflection can transform simple part-time roles into powerful learning experiences. Educators, advisors, and administrators alike will find inspiration and practical insights for creating more autonomy-supportive environments.
Beautifully written and deeply human, this book serves as both a window into the student experience and a guide to fostering motivation in higher education settings.
👉 Available November 20, 2025
We’re thrilled to announce the upcoming release of Pulling Back the Curtain in Self-Access: Stories of Student Staff Member Motivation by Christopher Phelps, launching on November 20.
https://www.candlinandmynard.com/selfaccessstories.html
In this fascinating and heartfelt book, Phelps invites readers into the world of student staff members (SSMs) at Japanese universities. Drawing on rich personal narratives and grounded in Self-Determination Theory, the book explores what drives SSMs to engage deeply in their roles — from a desire to help others, to developing competence and belonging in a community of learners.
Pulling Back the Curtain in Self-Access is not just about research; it’s about people. It highlights how autonomy, relatedness, and self-reflection can transform simple part-time roles into powerful learning experiences. Educators, advisors, and administrators alike will find inspiration and practical insights for creating more autonomy-supportive environments.
Beautifully written and deeply human, this book serves as both a window into the student experience and a guide to fostering motivation in higher education settings.
👉 Available November 20, 2025
