Intensive Course Students’ Independent Study Learning and Visit Patterns in the English Self-Access Center at the State University of Malang
| Main Author: | Nina Inayati; Study Program of English Language Education, Faculty of Letters, State University of Malang. Advisor: Francisca Maria Ivone, S.Pd., M.A. |
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| Format: | PeerReviewed |
| Bahasa: | eng |
| Terbitan: |
, 2009
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| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: |
http://karya-ilmiah.um.ac.id/index.php/sastra-inggris/article/view/662 |
Daftar Isi:
- Independent study in a second language acquisition is one of the effective ways that suits adult learners’ characteristics. In formal language learning, independent study can be fostered by providing conducive learning environment equipped by appropriate independent learning resources which enable students to conduct independent study at their own conveniences. Such environment exists in the English Department of the State University of Malang in form of the English Self-Access Center (ESAC). However, not all students are aware of the importance of independent study for the success of their second language learning. Therefore, the English Department of the State University of Malang introduces independent study in the Intensive Course (IC) Program, the program that is compulsory for freshmen in their first semester. This study was intended to describe the freshmen’s independent study patterns in the ESAC during the IC program. It was expected that this study would be beneficial for the ESAC, English Department and the students of the English Department. This study was a descriptive qualitative research. The subjects were the freshmen of the 2007/ 2008 academic year. The main instrument in the study was the researcher, who was supported by some instruments, i.e. documents and questionnaires. The findings obtained suggest that freshmen’s favorite section in the ESAC is the reading room. Their second favorite section is the speaking corner, followed by computer room in the third place and video room in the fourth place. Meanwhile, the audio room is the least visited section. This tendency shows the freshmen’s preference to non-electronic sections and activities for their independent study activities. Further analysis of the students’ independent study patterns results in the characteristics of the sections preferred more by the students. First, the materials in the section should be numerous and various. Second, section’s physical properties should be effectively arranged and kept in fashion. Third, students’ privacy and ability to focus on their study should be well preserved. Fourth, the instruments and materials should be kept simple and familiar for student use. Based on the research findings, some suggestions were given for the improvement of students’ independent study. For the lecturers, it is expected that they encourage the students to do more electronic related activities especially practicing listening. For the IC program, it should develop a scoring guide for Independent Study sessions to get more objective final score. For the ESAC, it should improve its facilities and service by referring to the characteristics of the more preferred sections and materials found in this study. For future researchers, it is suggested that they study more about IC program, the effectiveness of independent study, or a more specific study of IS in the ESAC