Self-Access Language Learning

What is self-access language learning? Self-access language learning gives you the opportunity to develop initiative, responsibility, self-awareness, confidence and independence in learning. It is about making choices and having flexibility in learning. In a Language Commons (SAC) you have the opportunity to decide what and how you want to learn. In order to make these choices you need to know what is available to you. This guide will take you through our SAC and introduce you to what we have on offer. How is the SAC organised? Before taking a look round, it is important to understand how the SAC works and what can be involved in self-access language learning. The SAC is organised like a library. We have a large variety of materials that you can use to learn a range of different languages. To find where materials are located, you have three choices: if you know what type of material you are looking for (e.g. the language skill or media), take a look at the map of the SAC which is displayed on the wall in the Orientation Area inside Area A. Materials for learning English are all located in Area A (room 3018), while resources for Chinese/Putonghua (but not Cantonese or Mandarin for non-Chinese speakers) and for all other languages can be found in Area B (room 3019). If the material you are looking for is for learning English, you could also search through VELA Browse. You can simply walk around the different areas of the SAC and pick up what you need directly. Unlike a library, all of the materials apart from books for extensive reading (novels, audiobooks etc) are for use within the SAC only. How can I use it? The SAC is a place where you can practise any aspect of language learning. You are free to use any of the facilities and materials. When you work in the SAC, don't feel that you are completely on your own. There are SAC Advisers to help you make the right choices. Many people like to work with someone else or in a group. Go to the Advice Desk and ask the SAC Adviser for ideas about how to set up a programme of individual study, pair study or group study. If you have any questions about self-access language learning just ask the SAC Adviser. Remember, self-access language learning is about choice and flexibility. Take the initiative and responsibility to make the most of the options open to you.