Lyons, Colorado TESOL Online & Teaching English Jobs

Books and Materials Authentic materials are anything a native speaker would hear or read programs, magazines, newspapers, songs, poems, brochures, menus, films on video. The are not designed for the EFL student, they are not graded for level, and so should be selected carefully. Some materials could be used for different tasks at different levels. They are real and therefore more interesting and motivating Students gain confidence when they understand them. They can be geared to the interests of a particular group of students. Created materials are designed by the teacher to replace or supplement materials from a course book artistic teachers use their abilities for material production. Crosswords, Word search, puzzles, Role-play cards, Flashcards, Gap fill activities, Picture stories. Course books usually consist of a set of materials: Student's book, Workbook, Cassettes, Teacher's book, a video, reading books graded to varying levels of students, test books, learner dictionaries, vocabulary flash cards. Course book advantages They are expected by the students. It is considerably easier and less time consuming to supplement They provide a syllabus which is graded to a level suitable for the students. They give security for students and teachers alike. They have a balanced mix of grammar, vocabulary and skills work continuity and progression. They have normally been tried and tested before publication. They are usually attractive and appealing to the eye. They practice language items previously introduced. They have many good ideas for the inexperienced teacher. Course book disadvantages They do not always fit the specific needs and interests. Students may not like the book and it can become very predictable and boring. It can make teachers lazy, and stop them from being creative and searching for activities and materials which will motivate and interest their students. A course book is almost always a compromise and it may not cover in enough depth language problems specific to the nationality of students. It can be outdated and unattractive to your students. Books can stop teachers analyzing particular problems that their students may have and prevent the lessons from being student centered. If you have the choice of course book, look at a range that could be used for your group. Which is the most suitable? Best use of course books for the whole lesson Do not use think about which items will motivate your students, and which need to be supplemented/adapted/replaced. Think about how much time will be needed for each task and create a balanced lesson. Explore ways to match the book to the needs of the students. Approach the book critically: Read the teacher's book, but also do your own research into the language, and look for difficulties not highlighted by the authors. Don't base all lessons around the course book. Look at what your particular students need too. Don't regard the course book as the solution to everything. Try out new ideas and vary your activities.