I began teaching English in Egypt, followed by spells in Spain, England, Malaysia, Italy, South Korea and China, before ending up in Hong Kong where I have lived and worked since 1994. In addition to teaching, I have been involved in teacher education and pedagogical management. I obtained my Masters degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Reading and my PhD, related to the evaluation of self-access centres, from the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU).

I am presently Head of the English Language Centre (ELC) at PolyU. In 1995, I set up the Centre for Independent Language Learning (CILL) which comprises a self-access centre and flexible programmes which provide students with the opportunity to increase their English language proficiency and develop effective independent learning and communication skills.

I have also been involved in the work of the Hong Kong Association for Self Access Learning and Development, serving two periods as President. My present research interests primarily relate to Hong Kong tertiary students experience of studying in an English medium institution, self-access centres and Grounded Theory research methodology.

Contact: ecbruce@polyu.edu.hk

I have lived and worked in Hong Kong for most of the time since 1983, except for a one-year return to the UK and a two-year stint as co-ordinator of teacher training in the Language Institute of the University of Waikato in New Zealand. I spent twelve years at the British Council in Hong Kong, the last three as Deputy Director of the English Language Centre, and in 1997 I was recruited to set up the English Language Centre at City University of Hong Kong, where I have been Head ever since. I received my MA in TEFL from the University of Reading and am currently working towards an EdD with the University of Bristol.

I am an active member of the Hong Kong Association for Self Access Learning and Development. My research interests include teacher development and in particular, the process teachers go through when moving towards the facilitation of independent learning. A number of different courses offered by City U ELC have an independent learning component built in to them and I am interested in what teachers can do in the classroom to help learners learn independently.

Contact: eljyoung@cityu.edu.hk