Thai Students’ Perceptions towards Self-Study and the Use of a Self-Access Language Learning Center
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Abstract
The purpose of this research was to investigate Mae Fah Luang University (MFU) students’ perceptions towards self-study and the use of the Self-Access Language Learning Center (SALLC). The main research questions include: 1) what are students’ attitudes towards the use of SALLC at MFU, and 2) what are the factors that promote students’ use of the SALLC? This study adopted a mixed-method approach which employed two research instruments: a questionnaire and semi-structured interviews. Using convenience sampling, the questionnaire respondents consisted of 215 students who used the services at SALLC. Purposive sampling was employed to select eight respondents to participate in the group interviews.
The key findings of this study can be summarized into two main aspects related to the primary research questions. Firstly, using the SALLC services led to participants’ positive attitudes towards English learning in terms of cognitive, affective, and behavioral aspects. Most students had positive attitudes towards the services offered at the SALLC, which included facilities, consultation, coaching, foreign language activities, and self-study materials. Secondly, factors indicated as those that attracted students to use the center were the positive environment and pleasant surroundings.
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