Students' Motivation for and Attitudes towards Self-Access Language Learning Centre

Abstract

Self-Access Language Learning (SALL) is one of the leading aspects in efficiency of learners’ self-initiated language learning. How far are the learners motivated to learn the language on their own in a Self-Access Language Learning Centre (SALLC)? Do their attitudes contribute SALL? This study investigated Thai students’ motivation level and attitudes towards the use of materials and facilities of the SALLC. A sample of 210 SALLC-members including 200 students, 8 lecturers and staffs together with 2 outsiders were involved. Questionnaires and semi-structured interviews were used to investigate the students’ motivation and attitudes towards the SALLC. The results revealed that the SALLC could promote students’ attitudes and stimulate their motivation to initiate on coming to the centre. The users also displayed high positive motivation and attitudes towards the SALLC. All materials and facilities in the SALLC were considered as factors that helped promote the SALLC. Additionally, students’ attitudes were found to be moderately significant correlated with motivation.

Keywords: SALL, SALLC, attitude, motivation