Self-Access

"Self-Access" by Sheerin is a low-on-theory, high-on-practicality book that is intended to aid teachers in developing student autonomy. The book covers pretty much everything that should be considered in setting up a self-access programme in a school, though it would also be valuable for those with existing programmes. The majority of the book is taken up with exercises that target a whole array of skills and concerns, ranging from the essential needs analysis, right through to intensive listening, reading, spelling, writing and more. Each exercise is targetted at a broad level range of student, (Intermediate, Advanced, Beginner, as examples). There are also a few vocabulary games for students to use as well. "Self-Access" is a very practical book that presents some excellent ideas for use in self-access programmes. A lot of the exercises could be easily adapted to classroom use, as well, which adds to the usefulness of the book. Overall, I thought this book was an excellent resource and I have drawn a number of ideas from it. It is a very wide-ranging book, so it is useful for any group, no matter what level or competency they might have.