Lounging less, mingling more, the EL is turning 4!

Shari Joy Berman and Roxana Sandu

Hirosaki University, Japan

Conversation destination Self-access learning center

Assignment assistance Study abroad, pre-departure mentoring

Seminar and workshop locale Social and cultural exchange

The English Lounge: Main Roles

2012

Teachers leading

groups 100%

International students

occasionally visit

2015

10%

International students

leading groups 90%

Conversation destination

2012

Students working on

Other work 80%

Class assignment 10%

EL software 10%

2015

10%

10%

80%

Self-access learning center

2012

EL teacher assigned

speech assistance 80%

Students independently

seeking assistance 15%

Non-EL teachers

sending students 5%

2015

60%

30%

10%

2012

Occasional individual

consultations

General advice given

2015

Working closely with sister-

schools; Screening

exchange candidates;

Overseeing Hayabusa

College Program;

Mentoring individuals

Assignment assistance Study abroad, pre-departure mentoring

% of EL faculty time

2012

Skill-focused mini classes

15-20%

Academic or credit-

earning courses 15%

2015

Now called seminars

60%

30%

Hayabusa students

earn credit

Seminar and workshop locale

2012 – 2015

Outreach to the community

Parties: Halloween, Christmas, Valentine’s Day

Movie nights

Presentations

Social and cultural exchange