The Language Centre: A dynamic space to foster the development of multiple interactions?

• Main Authors: Annick Rivens Mompean, Nicola Macré
• Format: Article
• Language: fra
• Published: Université Marc Bloch 2017-12-01
• Series: ALSIC : Apprentissage des Langues et Systèmes d'Information et de Communication
• Subjects: language centre; learning environment; self-directed learning; support
• Online Access: http://journals.openedition.org/alsic/3211

The present context within French Universities, with language policies under construction, the evolution of technology and their effects on language learning, brings us to question the Language Centre's (LC) role in this process today. How is it being used? What activities are implemented and how does the LC support language learning? While a certain number of universities are equipping themselves with "new learning areas" including "active rooms" and "friendly spaces", why maintain these areas when students can work from home? What kind of help or guidance can be provided? We ask whether the current interactions at the LC correspond to students' needs, and do in fact provide the necessary social, psychological, or linguistic support required. To do so, an analysis of students' usage of the LC was carried out. We will underline the fact that the question is not so much to oppose a physical to a virtual LC but rather, referring to a systemic approach, to underline the type of support the LC can offer, developing interactions with resources whether they be material and digital or human, by offering tutoring and guidance.