Davids still exist among Goliaths: a story of modest self-access centre establishment and survival in times of economic decline
Journal
SiSAL Journal
Date Issued
December 2013
Author(s)
Abstract
In a university setting, self-access language learning centres (SALLC)s are
generally created out of the need to support students and other members of the
university and extra-mural community to explore and expand their language
learning horizons. The nature of SALLCs depends on the needs of each institution
and its community. They range from fully self-directed to semi-guided, from
virtual online-self-access centres (OSAC)s to real centres, with traditional print,
and more contemporary electronic and digital materials.
While much of the research so far has dealt with different aspects of SALLCs,
particularly of prominent ones, this article reports on the case of a small-scale
SALLC, which was designed and developed, and which has operated, during
difficult circumstances. This report describes how despite the administrative and
financial constraints faced during the establishment of the host university and
language centre, current theories and practices in SALLC were still taken into
account. Also, despite these difficulties and the economic constraints being
endured by the country as a whole, a number of strategies were implemented
enabling the SALLC to be accessible to all students, with a view to promoting both
autonomy and lifelong learning.
The data used consisted of field notes collected during the period of
operation as well as results from an evaluation of the use of different learning
pathways on offer. Finally, the challenges still being faced as the SALLC enters a
new period in its development are outlined.
generally created out of the need to support students and other members of the
university and extra-mural community to explore and expand their language
learning horizons. The nature of SALLCs depends on the needs of each institution
and its community. They range from fully self-directed to semi-guided, from
virtual online-self-access centres (OSAC)s to real centres, with traditional print,
and more contemporary electronic and digital materials.
While much of the research so far has dealt with different aspects of SALLCs,
particularly of prominent ones, this article reports on the case of a small-scale
SALLC, which was designed and developed, and which has operated, during
difficult circumstances. This report describes how despite the administrative and
financial constraints faced during the establishment of the host university and
language centre, current theories and practices in SALLC were still taken into
account. Also, despite these difficulties and the economic constraints being
endured by the country as a whole, a number of strategies were implemented
enabling the SALLC to be accessible to all students, with a view to promoting both
autonomy and lifelong learning.
The data used consisted of field notes collected during the period of
operation as well as results from an evaluation of the use of different learning
pathways on offer. Finally, the challenges still being faced as the SALLC enters a
new period in its development are outlined.
File(s)![Thumbnail Image]()
Name
papadima-sophocleous1.pdf
Size
294.76 KB
Format
Adobe PDF
Checksum (MD5)
13b6df6683253ab2ac99a30b1ecddebf