Speakers
ABSTRACT
Faced with an underutilized university commons area, teachers within a university English language program examined how it could be transformed into a Self-Access Learning Center (SALC) tailored to meet their students’ needs. With minimal financial resources, the teachers collaborated with students and consulted with universities that had established SALCs to create a space that was welcoming, accessible, and responsive to the dynamic needs of the student body. Key initiatives included presentations on social issues, an academic support program, and an English drop-in chat program. This presentation focuses on the drop-in chat, which was managed by a team of trained student staff members. Over the academic year, the program attracted approximately 500 participants and received positive feedback for fostering language development, building community, and promoting cultural understanding. The presentation will explore the transformation of the commons space in terms of design, programs, and student staff training. It will also explore student reflections and discuss challenges and future directions. This presentation offers practical, budget-friendly strategies for educators and administrators looking to develop functional, student-centered spaces while maximizing student engagement and development.
KEYWORDS
Self-Access Learning Center, Drop-in Chat, low-budget innovation
| TITLE | Transforming a University Commons into a Self-Access Learning Center |
|---|---|
| RELEVANT SIG | College and University Educators (CUE) |
| FORMAT | Practice-oriented Oral Face-to-face presentation (25 minutes, including Q&A) |
