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A Simple Model for Developing Language Laboratory
and Self-Access Materials
* Language laboratories should be integrated into the curriculum - not separate.

English Here

If the practical language needs of your students are your primary concern the best materials that you can use are materials that you produce yourself and are specifically oriented to your students (also the cheapest). The implementation of the following model requires little additional or outside class time. The foundation of the model is observation and recording data (for instance vocabulary, or particular communicative difficulties) that is acquired naturally during ordinary classes. This data can be then tranformed into an audio tape which is both curriculum related and meet the individual needs of your students.

NORMAL LANGUAGE CLASS

NORMAL LANGUAGE CLASS

LANGUAGE LABORATORY CLASS

NORMAL LANGUAGE CLASS

NORMAL LANGUAGE CLASS

Observe and note any student speaking/ listening needs

Observe and note any student speaking/ listening needs

Prepare the students for the language laboratory session (5-10 minutes only)

Implement multiple activities (student focused) utilizing the developed materials.

These materials and any necessary explanations and correction sheets should be placed in the self-access centre after the lesson.

Review observations made during the laboratory session (5 minutes)

Observe and note any student speaking/ listening needs.

Observe and note any student speaking/ listening needs.

All classroom lessons should include exercises in the five basic skills (reading, writing, listening, speaking, and grammar).
Utilize these exercises to observe student needs.

Preparation of the students may include vocabulary information, brief grammatical exercises for homework, etc. Any information that will help make the laboratory session more time efficient.

Prepare about 15 minutes of listening/ speaking exercises based on your classroom observations.
This should allow sufficient time during the class to perform practical (i.e. role-play) exercises.
Communicative - confidence building should be a primary objective for Indonesian students

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Materials produced by schools utilizing this model can be reproduced and distributed to other schools. I am personally hoping that schools can liaise effectively and pool human resources (perhaps through the MGMP) to develop school self-access centres. The concept of learning through self-access establishes a foundation for independency from "institutionalized learning" (especially important in developing countries) and promotes the concept of life-long-learning.

Phillip Rekdale
Konsultan Pendidikan & Teknologi

(Ref: SSE Project)