ENGLISH LANGUAGE SELF ACCESS LEARNING (SAL) ROOM

PAPERWORK 2011

PAPERWORK ON
Self Access Learning
Room
(SAL Room)
SKSR

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NORAZLIMA LIMAT
THE HEAD OF SKSR ENGLISH LANGUAGE PANEL

ENGLISH LANGUAGE SELF ACCESS LEARNING (SAL) ROOM

PAPERWORK 2011

SK Sungai Raya had received a new block of building that includes

several appointed rooms for different uses to suit the needs of
educations. Among the rooms, there is a room that had been planned at
the early stages of the development to be a SAL Room. Situated on the
third floor of block B. This paperwork focus on the set up of the room
itself with proper equipments, facilities and items that was estimated
to be around RM28,000.00.

Self access language learning centers

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Self access language learning centers are educational facilities designed for
student learning that is at least partially, if not fully self-directed. Students have
access to resources ranging from photocopied exercises with answer keys to
computer software for language learning. These centers are an outgrowth of a
style of learning that can go by several names: learner-centered approach,
learner autonomy or self-directed learning. These centers exist primarily in Asia,
Europe and North America. Use of such facilities and the pedagogical theory they
are based upon has its advantages and disadvantages. Proper use can result in a
feeling of empowerment and better learning outcomes, but getting to the point
where students and teachers can exploit them effectively can be problematic.
For this reason, the structure of established self access centers varies from
completely student-directed work with classroom immersion to those which
provide primarily tutor or instructor guidance for student work.

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NORAZLIMA LIMAT
THE HEAD OF SKSR ENGLISH LANGUAGE PANEL

ENGLISH LANGUAGE SELF ACCESS LEARNING (SAL) ROOM

PAPERWORK 2011

Definition
Self access language learning promotes the approach where students study
independently choosing from among different resources that are available. The
theory behind this style of learning is that students, especially foreign language
students, learn better if they have say in how they learn. [1] Self-access language
learning is closely related to learner-centered approach, learner autonomy and
self-directed

learning

as

all

focus

participation for his/her own learning.

on
[2]

student

responsibility

and

active

This style of instruction is most often

done in the setting of a self-contained learning environment or self-access center.

Self-access centers can be as simple as a classroom set aside with dictionaries
and shelves of paper-based exercises to state-of-the-art digital centers with
various types of computer- and Internet-based resources. What resources are
available and how students are guided to use them depend on the financial
resources available and how much learner autonomy an institution decides to
give students.

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NORAZLIMA LIMAT
THE HEAD OF SKSR ENGLISH LANGUAGE PANEL

ENGLISH LANGUAGE SELF ACCESS LEARNING (SAL) ROOM

PAPERWORK 2011

Examples of self-access centers

The Multimedia English Learning Center at the National Kaohsiung First

University of Science and Technology in Taiwan has 60 computers, 2
service desks, 2 counseling rooms and discussion areas with sofas and
tables. It is divided into two sections: a self-access program based on the
university's intranet and self-directed learning materials available in the
facility. It has 3 pedagogical goals: 1) to support English courses by
reducing teacher workload 2) to make up for the limited time that large
classes have for listening and speaking and 3) to foster autonomy and
self-directive study strategies among students.

The Language Learning Center at Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska USA
offers holds classes in 10 different language and provides self-learning
materials in 57 languages. The center also has 22 computers with access
to online language classes as well as a variety of self-paced learning
materials.

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NORAZLIMA LIMAT
THE HEAD OF SKSR ENGLISH LANGUAGE PANEL

ENGLISH LANGUAGE SELF ACCESS LEARNING (SAL) ROOM

PAPERWORK 2011

Advantages and disadvantages of implementing and integrating

self-access learning room
Advantages
Some of the advantages of this form of learning is that students at the very least
set the pace of their work. Depending on the individual center, students can also
set the level and content of their work. Students can use these centers
voluntarily or can have assignments to complete there. The major advantage,
therefore, is flexibility, with the purpose of giving the students themselves the
opportunity to tailor the course more to their learning needs and styles than a
more traditional mode of teaching.
Use of multiple technologies in a more independent setting has been shown to
improve motivation and increase students ability to work independently by
taking more responsibility for their own learning. Students also report feeling
more empowered by such modes of instruction.
Disadvantages
The major disadvantages of this mode has basically to do with the ability of both
students and teachers to adapt and integrate this method effectively. Many
students are not used to working independently, creating the need to provide
guidance as to the use of this kind of center, at least in the beginning. One study
reports that students do not seem to want too much freedom in their use of
technology. 73% reported that they preferred a regularly scheduled lab time,
with the facilitative presence of a teacher. Significantly less than half reported
that they preferred completely free access to the lab or to do work at home on
their own computer.
For teachers, the 'letting go' of control can be equally disorienting and it may
seem that giving students such control depreciates teachers' skills and
experience. Traditionally, teachers are used to being the center of student
activity, controlling how, when and why students do what they do. Students have
been expected to work in "lock-step" with the teacher orchestrating what
students do to a very high degree. Teachers, in turn, rely on textbooks that allow
little variation. Use of self-access center materials steer students way from the
rigidity and "security" of this paradigm, causing teachers to lose their "allpowerful" and "all-knowing" position. This can cause problems integrating a selfaccess center due to political and institutional constraints.
Other possible problems have to do with availability of physical resources
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NORAZLIMA LIMAT
THE HEAD OF SKSR ENGLISH LANGUAGE PANEL

ENGLISH LANGUAGE SELF ACCESS LEARNING (SAL) ROOM

PAPERWORK 2011

Types of self-access learning room

Fully Independent Learning
In its most extreme form of self-directed learning, students set their own
curriculum and goals, self-accessing their progress. Teachers function only
as "counsellors" who give feedback after students evaluate their learning.
Semi-Guided Learning
To address problems with student use of self-access centers, some centers
make tutors available to give academic and a kind of psychological
support. Students may or may not choose how self-directed or tutordependent they choose to be. While the academic effectiveness of a semiindependent study course has not been proven, student response to such
a scheme in Hong Kong was very positive.
Self-access center combined with English-language writing center
In several universities in Taiwan, several universities such as National
Taiwan University, Fu Jen Catholic University and National Sun Yat-Sen
University, have joined the two facilities. While the union of the two
facilities has not proved to provide any benefits, the idea has been
promoted as a way to enhance both general writing skills, which in turn
support the acquisition of other language skills such as reading, speaking
and listening.
Online self-access learning
Online self-access or online language support, is a type of self-access
learning. In its most basic form, online self-access involves institutions
making language learning materials available online to students. More
elaborate forms include opportunities for supporting learners online (e.g.
through advisory sessions), tools for collaborative learning, e-portfolios,
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NORAZLIMA LIMAT
THE HEAD OF SKSR ENGLISH LANGUAGE PANEL

ENGLISH LANGUAGE SELF ACCESS LEARNING (SAL) ROOM

PAPERWORK 2011

and active monitoring of student performance by the software. Examples

of such systems include the University of Auckland's electronic learning
environment and 'My English', developed at King Mongkut's University of
Technology Thonburi, in Bangkok, Thailand. Many centers are using online
resources from a variety of commercial English training services.

List of items in the SAL room

a) Young learners ( Phase 1 : year 1, year 2 and year 3)
Materials - A set of books (readers) and magazines

Sheets of activities and language games

Tape recorder

Some tapes of stories and songs

PC with software and CDs of games and language activities

Indoor games

b) Inter-mediate learners ( Phase 2 : year 4 and year 5)

Materials - Books, including easy readers, magazines, textbooks

Sheets of activities and language games, with keys

A tape recorder

Some tapes of language material, stories and songs

A video recorder/ DVD player with videotapes and DVDs of films

PC with software and CDs of games and language activities

Activities book and educational magazines

Songs can be used for self or group dictation

An internet connection sites can be used for online activities for language
learning

c) Advance learners ( Phase 2 : year 6 )

Materials - Books, including easy readers, magazines, textbooks

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Sheets of activities and language games, with keys

Materials for international language exams with key

A tape recorder
NORAZLIMA LIMAT
THE HEAD OF SKSR ENGLISH LANGUAGE PANEL

ENGLISH LANGUAGE SELF ACCESS LEARNING (SAL) ROOM

PAPERWORK 2011

Tapes of language materials and songs

A video recorder/ DVD player with videotapes and DVDs of films

PC with software and CDs of games and language activities a good

example is the Reward CD ROM series

Written activities - Following the introduction of new materials or a class

test students can work individually on tasks related to the language
structures or skills they need to reinforce or develop

Tapes/ DVD can be viewed individually or in small groups^^

An internet connection, many sites offer online activities for language

learning

The level of autonomous use of the material increases with age, but students can
nevertheless start being trained from as early as pre-school to choose the kind of
work they need or want to do. This can set the basis for an attitude that leads to
taking responsibilities for their own learning, and to the understanding that the
choice of materials and ways of work can also correspond to their individual,
different and unique learning styles.**

The self-access space

Setting up a self-access room is not out of reach. Certainly it is not to be
considered a magic tool that solves all language learning problems, but it can for
sure be a good means to implement motivation, learner choice and learner
autonomy, which are, especially in language learning, fundamental ingredients
to successful learning.
The design, which allows flexible, ad hoc groups to form for the activities of
learning. The entire collaboration of spaces allows students to freely interact
student-to-student, student-to-teacher, student-to-computer, and teacher-toclass. SAL rooms spaces must support everything simultaneously so activities of
learning can be changed at will.
The SAL room spaces must provide :
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NORAZLIMA LIMAT
THE HEAD OF SKSR ENGLISH LANGUAGE PANEL

ENGLISH LANGUAGE SELF ACCESS LEARNING (SAL) ROOM

PAPERWORK 2011

Engagement: A direct, conversational relationship between students and

room provides easy access to technology, avoids passivity and promotes
active pupils engagement. Screens present material so every seat has
access.

Participation: Enables small group discussion and activity circulation

around the room, creating a dynamic, supportive environment that
encourages participation. Microphones provide sound support for students
as well as teacher.

Flexibility: Gives the teacher freedom to use a variety of teaching

methods, at will, and employ a wide range of tools and methods to reach
pupils.

Self-directed Learning: Give pupils ready access to the Internet and

online course materials for independent study in the ICT area.

Inviting Environment: A comfortable, modern space. Pupils could

commit to the mission of self learning in the SAL room, and live up to
higher expectations.

SAL rooms plan

This plan is based upon one early perceptions for improving teacher/pupils
ratios. The floor plan for SAL room has remained the same however the room has
been divided into an ICT area, mini stage, playmate area and a self-access area.
The division of the room provides us with an area for self-access (Ruang A) that
can be continually monitored by teacher. This room can be utilized by the half of
the class that would have gone to the library within the basic model. The room
should been equipped with self learning materials that will allow pupils to
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NORAZLIMA LIMAT
THE HEAD OF SKSR ENGLISH LANGUAGE PANEL

ENGLISH LANGUAGE SELF ACCESS LEARNING (SAL) ROOM

PAPERWORK 2011

practice self-paced learning materials. The playmate area (Ruang A1) should be
equip with a proper siting for the pupils to explore all the indoor games and IQ
games individually, in pairs or in small groups.
The stage (Ruang B) which at the moment is equip with a small self-build mini
stage. Space for audience opposite the stage should need a proper siting such
as a carpet or comfortable mat. Decorations of the stage is still under
construction due to lack of materials and budget. The small room (Ruang B) will
also be used as a video viewing area.
The ICT area should also be equip with tables and chairs for pupils to use the
PC and internet services. Having an excess of pupils positions is important so as
to allow pupils a large degree of freedom to chose what materials and mode of
study they prefer (ie. group, individual, pair).
The materials for self-access should be user friendly for both pupils and
teachers.

Suggestions for SAL materials

The photographs below show the various materials that are suitable for the
usage of SAL room.

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NORAZLIMA LIMAT
THE HEAD OF SKSR ENGLISH LANGUAGE PANEL

ENGLISH LANGUAGE SELF ACCESS LEARNING (SAL) ROOM

PAPERWORK 2011

Big book series

Various reading materials

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Dictionary

Charts storage box

PC / Computer

Earphones set

Carpet

Logo foam game

NORAZLIMA LIMAT
THE HEAD OF SKSR ENGLISH LANGUAGE PANEL

ENGLISH LANGUAGE SELF ACCESS LEARNING (SAL) ROOM

PAPERWORK 2011

Reading cards/materials

Computer

Board Games

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Board game

English Language Games Set

Board games

NORAZLIMA LIMAT
THE HEAD OF SKSR ENGLISH LANGUAGE PANEL

ENGLISH LANGUAGE SELF ACCESS LEARNING (SAL) ROOM

PAPERWORK 2011

Board game

Board game

Interactive indoor games

Mini stage design

Suggested mini stages curtains

design for talentime activity
Magazine rack

Whiteboard
Suggested interactive viewing
corner
The following is the original floor plan of the SAL room given

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NORAZLIMA LIMAT
THE HEAD OF SKSR ENGLISH LANGUAGE PANEL

ENGLISH LANGUAGE SELF ACCESS LEARNING (SAL) ROOM

PAPERWORK 2011

14 |

NORAZLIMA LIMAT
THE HEAD OF SKSR ENGLISH LANGUAGE PANEL

ENGLISH LANGUAGE SELF ACCESS LEARNING (SAL) ROOM

PAPERWORK 2011

Summary
Self-access learning refers to a way of learning language without the direct
control of a teacher. There are different types of learners, with different language
needs. Ones may not be the same as those of your friends. Moreover, my
learning style and the pace I prefer to learn at may vary from those of others. It
is logical and necessary that every individual needs and interests should be
catered for. There are many other ways of studying independently. This
Access Room

Self-

should contains a lot of useful materials and facilities. Other

resources are also useful. Here, I can

find a large collection of newspapers,

magazines, journals as well as the main collection. While in the suggested AV

area, there will be a wide range of films, documentaries and TV programmes to
choose. I would to make sure the visitors of the SAL room can find lots of
opportunities to learn, such as watching English or Japanese TV programmes,
listening to radio or reading newspapers .I do hope with this paperwork that
contains ideas and suggestions on setting up a SAL centre or SAL room will be
approve. It will definitely benefits all. The plan is also open for new and better
suggestions to suit up while

tackling

the interest of self learning within the

pupils. The estimating value to set up the room is around RM28,000.00.

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NORAZLIMA LIMAT
THE HEAD OF SKSR ENGLISH LANGUAGE PANEL

ENGLISH LANGUAGE SELF ACCESS LEARNING (SAL) ROOM

PAPERWORK 2011

APPENDIXES

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NORAZLIMA LIMAT
THE HEAD OF SKSR ENGLISH LANGUAGE PANEL

ENGLISH LANGUAGE SELF ACCESS LEARNING (SAL) ROOM

PAPERWORK 2011

SKSR SAL ROOMS BROCHURE

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NORAZLIMA LIMAT
THE HEAD OF SKSR ENGLISH LANGUAGE PANEL

ENGLISH LANGUAGE SELF ACCESS LEARNING (SAL) ROOM

PAPERWORK 2011

Photographs of corners and furniture in SAL Room by 20th June 2011

Recycle shoe rack

Mini talentime stage

Bookshelves

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NORAZLIMA LIMAT
THE HEAD OF SKSR ENGLISH LANGUAGE PANEL

ENGLISH LANGUAGE SELF ACCESS LEARNING (SAL) ROOM

PAPERWORK 2011

Table

Notice boards in front of leisure corner

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NORAZLIMA LIMAT
THE HEAD OF SKSR ENGLISH LANGUAGE PANEL

ENGLISH LANGUAGE SELF ACCESS LEARNING (SAL) ROOM

PAPERWORK 2011

Bookshelves with drawers and some items collected as SAL Room items

Organisation notice board

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NORAZLIMA LIMAT
THE HEAD OF SKSR ENGLISH LANGUAGE PANEL

ENGLISH LANGUAGE SELF ACCESS LEARNING (SAL) ROOM

PAPERWORK 2011

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NORAZLIMA LIMAT
THE HEAD OF SKSR ENGLISH LANGUAGE PANEL