Title: Ups and Downs of Self-access Learning Centers: A Seven Year Retrospective
Presenter: Ben Grafström
Abstract: One of a professional educator’s responsibilities is to help create and foster an environment for learning that extends beyond the traditional classroom. They accomplish this by encouraging students to continue their learning outside of class time—out in the world beyond the confines of the classroom, or even the walls of the school. One way in which language educators may create an environment for learning is through establishing a self-access learning center (SALC). SALCs provide a setting for eager students to use their language skills by speaking freely with other SALC visitors. SALCs also provide extra materials in the target language for students to study or read for simple enjoyment. Merely spending the money to establish a SALC, however, is not enough. Those in charge of the SALC must continually monitor things like what the students are doing, which materials are being used, how much time students spend there, and more. In so doing, educators must continually refine the SALC and give students guidance from time to time.
This presentation will be a type of case study of an English language SALC that has been operating for approximately 10 years on a university campus (seven of which the presenter was the SALC’s co-director). First, the presenter will give a background of the SALC, including a description of its physical layout, its inventory of tangible learning materials, and budget. Second, he will provide profiles of the average students who use it and show trends in how often they access the center. Finally, he will highlight some potential pros and cons of the SALC based on extensive data he has collected. The presenter hopes that the data and insight he will be sharing will help attendees launch their own SALC, or improve those they are already managing.
Bio: Ben Grafström earned his MA in East Asian Languages and Cultures, with a focus on Japanese literature and culture from the University of Colorado at Boulder. As an Assistant Professor of Akita University he is tasked with teaching English language classes to the masses; education methods to English Education majors; and Japanese literature and culture to exchange students and bold Japanese students. He (co-)ran Akita University’s Autonomous Language Learning Rooms (ALL Rooms) for seven years. Now he is in charge of short-term study abroad programs.
