Independent Learning Centre
by Jimmy Chan
The Independent Learning Centre (ILC) is a self-access language learning facility run by staff of the English Language Teaching Unit (ELTU) and the Department of Chinese Language & Literature, where students and staff of CUHK can freely come to practise their English and Chinese. The learning resources in the ILC include audio tapes, videos, films, computer games, grammars, self-study worksheets, leisure reading, magazines and daily English newspapers. A satellite dish provides language counseling, operates a tutorial service for writing, organizes daily English conversation group, and runs language improvement workshops.
Self-Access Learning Facilities provide users with informal and formal means to improve their English through:
- Macintosh Computers, CD-ROMs, multimedia computer language software, e-mail pen pals and newswatcher
- Audio tapes, videos and films
- Reference books, grammars and self-study language learning materials
- Satellite TV
- Leisure reading books
As I see, the most popular facility is the Audio tapes, videos and films so if you want to use this facility then you should go to have a booking. Moreover, the Macintosh computer, CD-ROMs, multimedia are also very useful the books provided in the centre are the facilities that the most few student to used, so if you can't find a computer to use or waiting for the audio videos service I suggest you go to read books and magazines.
Language Counseling Service
Language Counseling Service introduces effective language learning strategies to users that will help solve language learning problems and advise users on how to make full use of the resources in the ILC by:
Assisting users in designing a language improvement plan and in checking its progress.
- Answering language question through an e-mail counseling hot-line: ilc-counsel@cuhk.edu.hk.
- Providing self-administered tests which assess the language levels of individual users.
- Running monthly workshops on language improvement.
However, I think the centre does not have enough promotion for this service because when I ask friends and the users about this service they don't know any about this service.
Speech Services
Speech Services provide practice in spoken English through:
- Small daily conversation group led by an ELTU staff member.
- Workshops on improving speaking and listening skills.
As I know, the Centre only provides speech services of different kinds. You can find the one most suitable to yourself.
Writing Centre assists users in improving their writing through:
- Analysis of writing problems and advice on how best to overcome them.
- Individual tutorial help with academic writing assignments.
The ILC has really broadened my horizons and enhanced my English knowledge. Now, I realize that going to the library is not the only way to improve the English.
