¡Welcome everybody!

Our names are Olga Uh and Shirley Acevedo; we are students of the University of Quintana Roo. We created this blog for university students from UQROO Chetumal campus, and also for people who want to learn another language. In this blog you will find a lot of information about the SAC. For example, whether or not the courses gives credits, languages thought, the privileges that the university students have, areas where students can improve their skills, how you can use the materials that the SAC offers and about placement tests. In addition, you will find some softwares which you can use for improving your skills.

sábado, 8 de mayo de 2010

How can I use the materials?

The video room is provided with televisions and DVDs where you can watch movies. There is a section where there are the movies and they are divided according to the language so you have to decide what movie you want to watch. After you have decided, you need to go to reception and ask about the movie you have chosen. Then the receptionist is going to give you the CD of the movie after you give you ID or your student ID and finally you can enjoy watching it.


The literature area offers you dictionaries in different languages, grammar books, the books use by SAC in the English courses (Face 2 Face Student’s Books) and also all the levels of the Interchange Student’s Book. You do not have to ask to use them, you only need to choose the material you want and you can use it.

In the reading area, there are many books which are organized according to the language and to the level.When you use this area, you are allowed to read any book you want. You only choose the book and you can read it. You do not have to ask someone to give you, but you cannot take the books out of the area because they are not borrowed. If you want to read a book which is not from the SAC you need to ask for an index card.  

In the audio area, there are tape recorders and hearing aids which you can use. There are shelves where the cassettes are also organized according to the language and to the level. Moreover, the cassettes have their own activities of the recordings you are going to listen to. In addition, if you did not want to listen to any cassettes, you can look for any CD you want to hear; for example, when you are taking a SAC course and you need to practice the listenings of your book. You go to reception and ask for the CD. Also, there are CDs of the English books which students from English language major use in their English subjects.

Firstly, when you use the computer area, you need to be registered in the database of the computer which is next to reception. In this area you can find some softwares that can help you in some skills. You only need to ask in reception to use them.

When you want to improve your speaking skill, it is a good idea you use the speaker’s corner area, but what do you need to do? Well, it is important to know that every week there is a different schedule list in reception where you have to write your name but you need to look for the language and level of the conversation session you would like. In the list, there are different schedules according to the language and level. Besides, you need to know the schedules change every week.

viernes, 7 de mayo de 2010

jueves, 6 de mayo de 2010

Modality only SAC

You have already registered in the modality only SAC.
Now, what do you need to do?


1.- Ask for your package in the reception
In the reception, you are going to receive you modality package only SAC. The package contains documents that you need to read in order to understand this modality better. Ask for the program of level that you are going to study.

2.- Read the cards from learning to learning
Card #0: it explains you more about the modality only SAC
Card #1: it gives you a little run around the Self Access center where you will know the different areas.
Card #2: it helps you to know what kind of apprenticeship you have
Card #3: it explains you what learning to learning involves.

3.- Read the rules that SAC has
It is very important to bear in mind the thing that we can do inside the SAC in order to avoid any penalty.

4.- Read the program of the level that you requested
The program shows you the contents that you need to cover according to the level you chose. Also, it explains you the methodology and the way of evaluation; the bibliography which you are going to work with in order to achieve this level with success.

5.- Attend your first tutoring.
In your first session the tutor will explain you how you can organize so that you can work better and you can realized of the progress in your language level.


It is very important to know that the tutors will help you in your independent study. When having doubts about how to study or what type of activities you can do in order to achieve your goals, the tutors will help you to resolve your doubts. Also, you need to keep in your mind that the tutors will help you in your learning process, but remember these are not particular classes.


6.- Look through the basic bibliography.
The books you are going to use will depend of the level you have decided to study. In the program you will be mentioned which are these books and another sources you will can look up in any moment.


7.- Read the other cards of learning to learn.
In your packet, you will find more cards of learning to learn. We recommend you read them.
Card #4: This card will help you to find your language level.
Card #5: This card will give you an idea about how you can plan your work.
Card #6: This card will help you to realize what you need to learn.
Card #7: This card will make you reflect about your learning, so it is important to read it after you have achieved a goal; For example, when you have finished a lesson or any unit.


8.- Remember to visit the tutor after each unit or when you need it 

miércoles, 5 de mayo de 2010

Something about placement tests

If you know some English and you do not want to start as a beginner, you can ask for the placement tests that the SAC provides in order to evaluate the knowledge you have in English. They show the level of your English and then you are said what course level you need to take. There are placement tests for all the languages taught there. Also, you need to know that there are three dates for the placement tests during the year and it is common they are before each semester. Moreover, if you take a course of any language and you do not continue taking the following courses after a year, you can not take the following courses, you have to take a placement test so that you can be evaluated to know if you have the knowledge level to take the following courses or you need to begin again.