Centre for Independant Language Learning (CILL)
As its name suggests, the Centre for Independent Language Learning (CILL) is the ELC’s self-access centre. It aims to encourage students to study English and develop as independent language learners. At the CILL, students can borrow reading books, play games, watch DVDs of popular movies and TV shows, consult text books, use software packages and online web pages to learn grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation and develop their reading, writing, speaking and listening skills. The CILL also offers services to students. The help desk teachers offer expert guidance for independent study and there are specially designed printed study pathways for students to follow, depending on the areas of English they wish to work on. To take a virtual tour and see what is in CILL click here.
For those students needing more specific help, further services exist. For example, students can sign up for an appointment with the Writing Assistance Programme (WAP) and receive one-to-one help with writing from an ELC teacher. Students wishing to practice speaking can join the Speaking Assistance Programme (SAP), which offers ideal opportunities for practice. Small groups of students can sign up for an appointment and enjoy an hour’s speaking practice with a teacher on a topic of their choice. Topics vary accordingly, and so can range from social conversation to news and current affairs to job interviews, and so on. There are also many facilities at the CILL, such as study rooms, a presentation practice room (equipped with a camera and playback facilities) and a rooftop terrace, where students often play English board games.
To gain recognition for their independent study efforts, students can join the CILL certificate scheme to achieve a Gold, Silver or, the most recent addition to the scheme, a Bronze certificate. The aim of the CILL awards is to guide and encourage students to study English independently in CILL for at least 45 hours (Gold), 30 hours (Silver) and 15 hours (Bronze) respectively, record the activities they do and reflect on their progress. The hours are counted over the academic year and can include visits to the SAP and WAP. Students can record their study hours in CILL by using the smart card reader, when they enter and leave the CILL.
The new Bronze award starts from January 2010. Students study for 15 hours and achieve a Bronze Certificate. The 15-hour learning schedule is as follows:
- CILL orientation video and CILL Quiz: 1 hour
- The Study Skills Handbook (3rd edition) by Stella Cottrell (2008) – reading & worksheets: 8 hours
- CILL study worksheets - grammar, vocabulary, job interview practice etc.: 5 hours
- CILL needs analysis and planning form: 1 hour
For more information on the CILL awards, please click here.
