1Hi Jun.
2As you know, I've asked you here today to discuss the future of our Self-Access Centre.
3We have to decide what we want to do about this very important resource for our English language students.
4So, can you tell me what the students think about this?
5Well, from the students' point of view, we would like to keep it.
6The majority of students say that they enjoy using it
7because it provides a variation on the classroom routine
8and they see it as a pretty major component of their course,
9but we would like to see some improvements to the equipment, particularly the computers;
10there aren't enough for one each at the moment and we always have to share.
11Well, yes, the teachers agree that it is a very valuable resource
12but one thing we have noticed is that a lot of the students are using it to check their personal emails.
13We don't want to stop you students using it,
14but we think the computers should be used as a learning resource, not for emails.
15Some of us also think that we could benefit a lot more by relocating the Self-Access Centre
16to the main University library building.
17How do you think the students would feel about that, Jun?
18Well, the library is big enough to incorporate the Self-Access Centre,
19but it wouldn't be like a class activity anymore.
20Our main worry would be not being able to go to a teacher for advice.
21I'm sure there would be plenty of things to do
22but we really need teachers to help us choose the best activities.
23Well, there would still be a teacher present and he or she would guide the activities of the students,
24we wouldn't just leave them to get on with it.
25Yes, but I think the students would be much happier keeping the existing set-up;
26they really like going to the Self-Access Centre with their teacher
27and staying together as a group to do activities.
28If we could just improve the resources and facilities, I think it would be fine.
29Is the cost going to be a problem?
30It's not so much the expense that I'm worried about,
31and we've certainly got room to do it,
32but it's the problem of timetabling a teacher to be in there outside class hours.
33If we're going to spend a lot of money on equipment and resources,
34we really need to make sure that everything is looked after properly.
35Anyway, let's make some notes to see just what needs doing to improve the Centre.
36Now, what about the computers?
37I think it might be a good idea to install some new models.
38They would take up a lot less room
39and so that would increase the work space for text books and so on.
40That would be great.
41It is a bit cramped in there at times.
42What about other resources?
43Do you have a list of things that the students would like to see improved?
44Yes, one of the comments that students frequently make
45is that they find it difficult to find materials that are appropriate for their level,
46especially reading resources,
47so I think we need to label them more clearly.
48Well, that's easy enough, we can get that organised very quickly.
49In fact, I think we should review all of the study resources as some of them are looking a bit out-of-date.
50Definitely.
51The CD section especially needs to be more current.
52I think we should get some of the ones that go with our latest course books
53and also make multiple copies.
54Good.
55Now, I was also thinking about some different materials that we haven't got in there at all.
56What do you think of the idea of introducing some workbooks?
57If we break them up into separate pages and laminate them,
58they'd be a great resource.
59The students could study the main course book in class
60and then do follow-up practice in the Self-Access Centre.
61That sounds good.
62Okay, now, finally we need to think about how the room is used.
63I'll have to talk to the teachers
64and make sure we can all reach some agreement on a timetable to supervise the centre after class.
65But we also need to think about security, too.
66Especially if we're going to invest in some new equipment.
67Umm... what about putting in an alarm?
68Good idea.
69The other thing I'd like to do is talk to our technicians
70and see whether we could somehow limit the access to email.
71I really don't want to see that resource misused.
72What about if we agree to only use it before and after class?
73Yes, that would be fine.
74OK, anyway... that's great for now.
75We'll discuss it further when we've managed...