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Learners' Needs, Attitudes and Motivation Towards the Self-Access Mode of Language Learning

English Department

Irene Shuk Im Chan

English Language Centre, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong

The self-access approach to language learning requires learners to be responsible, diligent, and motivated. However, very little research has been done in this field. Thus, the aims of this study are to ascertain the needs of the learners and to investigate their attitudes and motivation towards this mode of learning. A questionnaire was administered to collect the data from 585 learners and in-depth interviews were conducted with 5% of the sample.

Statistical analyses suggest that the learners consider the major roles of self-access centres are to help them learn English independently and equip them for their studies and future careers. They prefer multi-media materials and facilities which focus on speaking, listening and English for the work place. The analysis and the qualitative data from the interviews show that learners have strong extrinsic motivation to improve their English, yet they seem to be reluctant to use the self-access mode of language learning. It is also found that learners who are keen on using the self-access centre have a stronger desire to improve their English, have higher intrinsic motivation and more positive attitudes towards learning English.

RELC Journal, Vol. 30, No. 1, 124-150 (1999)
DOI: 10.1177/003368829903000106


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