Conversation Space: Trialling Self-Access Services

Abstract

This report summarises findings and observations from trialling self-access services in a social space named Conversation Space (CS) at a Japanese university. This trial targeted first- and second-year students, and data was collected through observation notes. The notes were coded and categorised into three main themes: motivation, use of CS, and management and design. Findings show that students utilised CS mainly to practise speaking the target language with their friends and learning advisors, receive learning advice from learning advisors, and to socialise. Furthermore, the trial also highlighted the necessity of active promotion for CS by stakeholders and the importance of learning advising training in order to further develop the autonomous learning space. Although much was learned through this trial, the authors believe that support from the institution is pivotal in order to create a space that can fully support learners’ autonomous development.