Creating and Using Great Materials

 

This unit looks at using extra materials in addition to the coursebook. It looks at whether they can help students learn better, and what you can do to make them.

 

Think About It

 

1.  Do you ever use materials in addition to the coursebook?

 

 

2. If so, what?

 

 

3. Do you ever make your own materials?

 

 

4. Can additonal materials help your students learn better?

 

 

 

 

 

Sometimes, extra materials can be very useful. Why?

 

1. They make lessons more fun

2. They can bring language to life

3. They can motivate students to think about their English

4. They can get students talking

5. They allow you to make the language more personal

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Put any key ideas on board. Eg. using groups as a way of employing fewer materials with large classes.

 

 

B. Group Discussion: Different materials and their uses

 

Divide trainees into groups and set them the following task:

 

'List different possible materials sources and give examples of when you might use them.'

 

Set deadline

 

Put ideas on board, discuss, add to if necessary 

 

Some suggestions:

 

1. pictures:             - realia (magazines, newspapers, internet, etc.)

                        - teacher-created

                        - student-created

 

possible activities: trainees sugggest

 

           

2. flashcards:            - (to provoke, remind, stimulate)

                        - teacher-designed

                        - student-designed

                        - realia (bought, or adapted form other sources, eg. books)

 

possible activities: trainees suggest

                       

 

3. games & problem solving activities:

                        - real (darts, cricket scores, cards, board games, etc.)

- teaching resource books

                        - teacher-generated (riddles, self-made cards)

 

possible activities: trainees suggest

 

 

4. texts:            - teaching resource books

                        - realia (authentic language)

                        - teacher-written

                        - student-written

 

possible activities: trainees suggest

 

 

And, introducing the most important non-textbook resource of all,

 

TEACHER!            - talking

                        - instructing

                        - demonstrating

                        - describing

                        - drawing

                        - setting up games and activities

                        - explaining

                        - correcting

                        - organising

 

Without an effective teacher, the above materials are of little use

However, it is important to choose the material carefully - it must fit the activity, guide students towards language aims, be interesting and useful

 

The focus on the teacher as material also highlights the importance of using the blackboard effectively. Refer to boardwork from previous session.

 

 

Note:

Remember there are limitations:

Problems of staying on a fixed syllabus, problems of large classes, problems of preparation (time, effort), problems of access to facilities (copying, computers, decent print material, etc.).