NARRATOR:
You will hear the Director of Studies discussing a self-access centre with a student representative.
NARRATOR:
First, you have some time to look at questions 21 to 24.
NARRATOR:
Now listen carefully and answer questions 21 to 24.
PAM:
Hello John, I've invited you here to discuss what should happen to our self-access centre.
PAM:
We need to decide the future of this important facility for our English language students.
PAM:
What are the students' views?
JUN:
They definitely want to retain it.
JUN:
Most students enjoy the centre because it provides a change from ordinary classroom work.
JUN:
And they consider it an important element of their course.
JUN:
However, they would like improved equipment, especially computers.
JUN:
At present, there aren't enough machines for everyone, so students must share.
PAM:
The teachers also recognise its value.
PAM:
However, many students use the computers for personal email.
PAM:
We don't want to prevent access, but these machines should primarily support learning.
PAM:
Some teachers believe the centre would be more effective if it were moved into the main university library.
PAM:
How would students respond to that suggestion?
JUN:
The library certainly has sufficient space, but visiting it wouldn't feel like a class activity.
JUN:
Our greatest concern is that students might have difficulty getting advice from a teacher.
JUN:
There would probably be plenty of resources, but learners need guidance when selecting suitable activities.
PAM:
A teacher would still be present to direct students rather than leaving them entirely alone.
JUN:
Even so, students would prefer the present arrangement.
JUN:
They like attending the centre with their teacher and completing activities together.
JUN:
If we improve the equipment and resources, the existing centre would work well.
JUN:
Would the cost be a problem?
PAM:
Expense isn't my main concern, and there is enough room.
PAM:
The difficulty is arranging for a teacher to supervise the centre outside lesson times.
PAM:
If we invest heavily in resources and equipment, someone must ensure they are properly looked after.
NARRATOR:
Before you hear the rest of the discussion, you have some time to look at questions 25 to 30.
NARRATOR:
Now listen and answer questions 25 to 30.
PAM:
Let's make a list of the changes the centre needs.
PAM:
We could begin by replacing the computers with newer models.
PAM:
They occupy less room, which would create more working space for books and other materials.
JUN:
The room can feel crowded.
PAM:
What improvements do students want in the other resources?
JUN:
They often struggle to identify material appropriate to their ability, especially the reading resources.
JUN:
The different levels should be labelled more clearly.
PAM:
That can be organised quickly.
PAM:
We should probably review all the study materials because some are becoming outdated.
JUN:
The CD collection particularly needs updating.
JUN:
We should buy the recordings that accompany our newest course books and obtain several copies.
PAM:
I was also considering a type of resource we don't currently provide – workbooks.
PAM:
We could separate them into individual pages and laminate those pages.
PAM:
Students would use the principal course book in class, then complete additional practice in the centre.
PAM:
Finally, we should consider how the room is managed.
PAM:
I'll consult the teachers and arrange a timetable for supervision after classes.
PAM:
Security is also important if we buy expensive new equipment.
JUN:
Could we install an alarm?
PAM:
I'd also like our technicians to find a way of restricting access to personal email.
PAM:
I don't want the facilities being misused.
JUN:
Perhaps students could use email only before and after lessons.
PAM:
That would be acceptable.
PAM:
Good, that's enough for now.
PAM:
We can continue once we've managed to.
NARRATOR:
That is the end of part three.
NARRATOR:
You now have one minute to check your answers to part three.
