Fortress or bridge? : learners’ perceptions and practice in self access language learning

Abstract

Independent language learning is an essential complement to classroom-based learning if learners are to acquire target competence in a realistic period of time. It follows that language teachers can help promote learning efficiency by making links between teacher-guided learning and learner-initiated activities outside class. In an effort to encourage out of class learning, many institutions in the last ten years have established language resource centres where learners are encouraged to learn independently. This article reports on an investigation of the perceptions and practices of a group of learners enrolled in an intensive English course in relation to their out-of-class language learning. The project sought to answer the following questions:

1 How efficient and effective are the self access language learning opportunities currently provided as part of Victoria University’s English Proficiency Programme? 2 How do learners perceive self access language learning (SALL)? 3 What links do learners make between their self access language learning and their classroom learning?