Integrating Self-Access: an alternative to curriculum

integrationKatherine Thornton

Otemon Gakuin University, Osaka, Japan

• About E-CO

• Models of integration

• An alternative

• Community building

• Study/social use

• Future challenges

Otemon Gakuin University

• Collaboration with Kanda University of International Studies

• 6500 students

• Social sciences

• English dept

• Recent emphasis on globalisation

Opened

April 2013

Self-Access Centre

Social Interaction

Traditional Resources

Cultural Exchange

Advising Service

E-CO Staff

1 learning advisor

1 teacher

1 admin manager

E-CO Spaces

Models of Integration

classroom SAC classroom

classroom classroomSAC

SAC

SAC

no integration weak link

integratedstrong link

Gardner & Miller (1999:157)

An alternative model

Center for International

Studies

Academic departments

Orientations

Maximising Connections

Targeted Advising Service for students joining exchange

programmes

Maximising Connections

Study abroad preparation classes run by E-CO teachers

Maximising Connections

Role-play practice for overseas trips

Maximising Connections

CIS courses held in E-CO

Maximising Connections

Support for Testing:

•TOEIC, IELTS, TOEFL workshops

•Advising

Building a community

Student Volunteer Group

Parties & Events

E-CO Stamp Card

• Connecting students

Encourage frequent and diversified usage

Language policy

English only

English First

Please try to speak English

Study/Social

Usage of Spaces

Challenges for the Future

Integrating autonomy?

classroom SAC classroom

classroom classroomSAC

SAC

SAC

no integration

weak link

integratedstrong link

Gardner & Miller (1999:157)

Further Challenges: How can we...?

• Raise the profile of E-CO around campus

• Make closer connections with academic departments

• Set up meaningful evaluation procedures

Thanks for listening.Any comments/Questions?

thornton.katherine@gmail.comhttps://kandaeli.academia.edu/KatherineThornton