Section 1: An Introduction to Self-Access Listening and Speaking Materials:

Introduction

Purpose of Self-Access Materials:

The purpose of these self-access listening/speaking modules is to provide motivated ESL learners with access to online materials and to promote the use of listening strategies, discussion skills, presentation skills, and other listening and speaking skills that relate to success in a university setting. Some of you will have already been exposed to many of the skills and strategies that are presented in these online self-access modules; if so, using this website gives you additional opportunities to practice and use thse skills and strategies. For others, including those who currently are not taking any classes, it is an opportunity to explore and practice listening and speaking skills and strategies that you may need for study at the University of Hawai`i or another English-medium university.

As an independent learner, you will be able to:

• work at your own pace, on your own time schedule
• work in your own style of learning
• choose which areas of language you want/need to work on
• work by yourself, or with others
• set your own personal learning goals
• keep track of your own progress
• incorporate your work into your daily activities
• combine these activities with your classroom learning

*adapted from http://lc.ust.hk/~sac/advice/ladsal.htm, "Language Centre for The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. Self-Access Centre"

Goal of this Section:

The ELI's self-access center allows you to choose how, when, and what you want to study. In order to get the most out of this self-access center, it helps to recognize that differrent language learners have different needs, different learning styles, and different preferences for how to study. To help you become aware of your own needs, styles, and preferences for learning English, this section includes activities that provide you with an opportunity to reflect on:

• what your personal needs are as a language learner,
• what you would like to accomplish,
• how you would like to study, and
• how you will chart your progress

Once you have reflected on your needs and set personal goals, you will be more ready to successfully use all the activities in this self-access center.

Back to "Self-Access Center" homepage