7 Consider the idea of pathways. As your bank builds up, look at how
different materials relate to each other. Could you publicize ‘sets’ of
materials on particular subjects, or sets which help to develop particular
language skills? Grouping materials in this way helps learners to decide what
to do and in what order.
8 Discuss the role of the self-access facility with learners. If they have not
experienced self-access before, they will need to think about what it can
contribute to their learning experience, and they will need to be supported in
their early attempts to choose and use materials. Ongoing feedback and
discussion is the best way to help learners to make the best use of the
facility. See 31, Supporting self-access from the classroom, for further ideas
here.
9 Show learners what is available. Open display systems such as wallcharts
are the most helpful. They enable learners to see more or less at a glance
what is available. Charts should include information about the topic of the
materials and the language learning objectives they are intended to serve.
10 Encourage learners to contribute to the facility. If they have access to
printed English texts outside the class, they may come across pieces that
they think their classmates might like. Encourage them to bring such texts in,
and enjoy the satisfaction of seeing their contributions ‘written up’ as proper
self-access materials.29 Choosing self-access materials
The notion that independent study may form a significant part of a language
programme brings special challenges for the teacher to choose and design
materials suitable for such study. There is a growing range of language learning
resource materials commercially available that may be appropriate. The
following suggestions may alert you to some of the things to look out for, to
ensure that you select materials that will really help your learners to study
effectively.
1 Don’t go for the first suitable looking materials that you come across. If
you are considering buying in multiple copies of materials, take time to
make sure that you have made an informed decision about which package suits
your needs best. If you are going to recommend that learners purchase their
own copies of materials, it is important to ensure that they will be getting
good value for money.
2 Gather intelligence about the range of materials available. Use your
contacts in your own institution, and more importantly, in other places. This
can be a faster way of tracking down suitable packages than simply
searching through publishers’ catalogues. Don’t be taken in by some of the
things that publishers may claim for their products; try to find someone54 IMPLEMENTING SELF-ACCESS