Students have access to resources ranging from photocopied exercises with answer keys to computer software for language learning.
Proper use can result in a feeling of empowerment and better learning outcomes, but getting to the point where students and teachers can exploit them effectively can be problematic.
For this reason, the structure of established self access centers varies from completely student-directed work with classroom immersion to programs that provide primarily tutor or instructor guidance for student work• Self access language learning promotes the approach where students study independently choosing from among different resources that are available.
The major advantage, therefore, is flexibility, with the purpose of giving the students themselves the opportunity to tailor the course more to their learning needs and styles than a more traditional mode of teaching.
[6] The major disadvantages of this mode has basically to do with the ability of both students and teachers to adapt and integrate this method effectively.
Use of self-access center materials steer students way from the rigidity and "security" of this paradigm, causing teachers to lose their "all-powerful" and "all-knowing" position.