Developing the Competencies Required for the Instructors Working for Self-Access Language Learning Center

Abstract

The Language Institute of Thammasat University has been faced with a new challenge, the promotion of autonomous learning in students. The strategy developed to achieve this policy is the establishment of the Self-Access Language Learning Center (SALC). From the outset of the initiative, the instructors have had to take on new roles and responsibilities. Hence, the competencies required to fulfill those roles had to be identified. The professional development program was planned to improve levels of competency in the area most lacking – the knowledge in self-study materials development. This paper examines the potential of the professional development program as a process to enhance the specified competency. It discusses the stages of the learning process of the program: situation and needs identification, preparatory work, implementation, and evaluation. This paper also provides some evidence and implication as to the success of each stage throughout the process. Some suggestions are also given about how the professional development program should be planned and implemented in order to get the best results.

Keyword: Debate, Communication, Implicit