Resource centre - Theory and issues - Creating Materials
Larry Lynch takes a look at some of the things to bear in mind when considering using or adapting authentic materials in the classroom.
You don't really need to be a genius to produce highly successful, dynamic
lessons using authentic materials. You do need to know about your EFL or ESL
students, what they can do, what they like, how they think and their motivations
for learning English (or another foreign language). In this first part of the
series on creating materials for the EFL, ESL or foreign language learning
classroom, we'll discuss "Why we need to adapt materials". Following parts of
this series will address where to get authentic English or other foreign
language materials, some recommended Websites for EFL or ESL English Teachers,
and exactly how you can modify authentic language materials to meet learner
needs.
Why we need to adapt materials
The first stop is to adapt existing or easily available materials to suit the
teaching / learning needs we may have. Using existing materials can save time,
effort and expense in acquiring new English as a foreign language materials or
materials for teaching or learning another foreign language. Key reasons
existing or easily available materials may have to be adapted include:
Unsuitable material level
Whatever materials we may have or be able to get may not be suitable for our
learners' needs. Authentic materials are usually produced for native speakers.
This often means that an adjustment is required before we can may effective use
of the materials.
Too difficult
If our learners are beginner level, we may well have to simplify vocabulary or
context elements to render passages and listening comprehension segments
useable.
Too long or short
Lessons and study sessions are most often time-controlled. If we need an
activity or segment for a short classroom practice activity, a longer authentic
language piece might need to be excerpted or shortened to make it fit into our
lesson's context. A shorter piece may need additions in the way of activities or
discussions to flesh out its usefulness in the classroom setting.
Use of grammar or language
Extensive use of grammar or structures not known to the learners may be featured
in the authentic language passage. Adjustments, then, would likely be necessary
in the way of glossaries, key word definitions or explanations of language
aspects before the use of the passage.
Explore relevancy
Using language in a relevant context to promote meaningful input and output from
the learners is a key aspect of foreign language learning. If material has
obvious relevancy for the learners, it will be that much more difficult for them
to approach its acquisition.
Adapt for specific use
At the time of using an authentic language reading or listening passage, we may
well be working on a specific context, grammatical point or language structure
in class. This might mandate that we adapt materials to reflect use of those
grammar or structure elements.
Adapt to student learning styles
"Student learning styles may be an important factor in the success of teaching
and may not necessarily reflect those that teachers recommend" says Jack C.
Richards, noted Linguistics professional and an author of the INTERCHANGE EFL /
ESL series course books. Knowledge of our students may tell us that certain
learning styles should preferably be addressed. So changing authentic language
materials from one form to another might be called for. A reading passage then
becomes a listening. A listening passage molts into a grammar-themed one.
Writing or discussions might be the outcome of controversial or newsworthy
passages, the list goes on and on.
We'll continue in Part 2 of this series with more suggestions for where to get
authentic English or foreign language materials for learning English as a
foreign or second language. The same techniques will apply for developing
foreign language learning skills in other languages.
Using Authentic Materials
ESL resources
Downloadable activities
What do you think of this article? Add a comment »
The article written by
Prof. Larry M. Lynch is very helpful for teachers/instructors who teach English
as Foreign Language around the world. It helps me correct my mistakes in
preparing materials for teaching Chinese Mandarin compared to teaching English
in the Philippines. The article was excellent and I agree wholeheartedly with
the point being made."
(Mhuck G. Gayeta is an English Instructor and Foreign Language Instructor
teaching Chinese Mandarin in Manila, Philippines)
The article is quite
splendid and authoritative for all. The points raised are germane and relevant.
One of the reasons why I
tend to choose my own materials is that some of the prepared material may be
culturally inappropriate or sometimes cultural context is not understandable for
my students.
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