A framework for the evaluation of

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A framework for the evaluation of a self-access
language learning centre
Bruce Morrison English Language Centre The Hong
Kong Polytechnic University Hong
Kong ecbruce_at_polyu.edu.hk
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1. The study 2. The evaluation framework 3.
Implications and application
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• 1. The study
• aims and objectives
• methodology
• data analysis

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• study aims and objectives

• SAC mapping
• theory of SAC operation
• based on defining SAC elements
• SAC evaluation framework
• commonality of operational theory
• contextual diversity and individualisation
• commonality diversity

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• study methodology

• qualitative study
• grounded theory methodology
• no pre-determined hypothesis
• theory derived from data
• an initial, systematic discovery of the
• theory from the data
• (Glaser Strauss, 1967 3)

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• semi-structured interviews
• participants SAC Stakeholders
• SAC experts"
• - co-ordinators
• - support staff
• - consultants
• - SAC learners
• - SAC teachers
• "Non-experts"
• - SAC funder
• - LC manager
• - Non-SAC teacher
• follow-up email questionnaires
• clarify, confirm, enrich data

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• study data analysis

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3. The evaluation framework
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• framework elements 1 Decisions
• 
  key questions

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• framework elements 2 Actions

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• framework elements 3 Context

• ref. Lynch (1996, 2003) context inventory
• impacts on all questions, decisions and
• actions

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• bringing the elements together

• interaction between and within elements
• need to consider the whole - not just the parts
• When you are in a three-dimensional game,
• you will lose if you only focus on the top
• board and fail to notice the other boards
  and
• the vertical connections between them
• Nye, 2002 24

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4. Implications and application

• Key features
• evaluation ? a simple, linear process
• recognition of complexity of interaction
• between evaluation elements
• framework not a model
• no prescribed methodology
• prescription only re. the key questions
• Context as major determinant re. how
• key questions are addressed

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• Implications
• lie in application of framework with
• mapping of individual SAC
• potential to ensure all dimensions of
• evaluation planning are considered
• centrality of context to avoid mistakes
• of ill-informed evaluators
• Application
• Hong Kong SACs
• SACs more widely
• other educational entities?

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A framework for the evaluation of a self-access
language learning centre
Bruce Morrison English Language Centre The Hong
Kong Polytechnic University Hong
Kong ecbruce_at_polyu.edu.hk