Using authentic materials (jo watson)
Joanna Watson discusses the value of using authentic materials in the classroom. Some examples of authentic materials include newspapers, magazines, timetables, maps, forms, road signs, menus, films, commercials and advertisements. While authentic materials may seem too difficult for students, Watson argues they should not be edited or graded but rather the tasks based on the materials should be graded according to the students' levels. This reflects real-world language use and encourages motivation as students feel they are conquering real texts. The document also discusses the distinction between language acquisition and learning, provides tourist information leaflets as an example of authentic materials, and suggests teachers reflect on how materials could activate students' background knowledge and be useful for further project work.
More Related Content
What's hot (10)
Viewers also liked (9)
Similar to Using authentic materials (jo watson) (20)
More from eaquals (20)
Recently uploaded (20)
Using authentic materials (jo watson)
- 1. Using authentic materials Joanna Watson EAQUALS – Budapest April 2014
- 2. Aims • To identify a range of authentic materials • To explore the use of authentic materials in the classroom for different levels • The value of using authentic materials
- 3. Authentic materials • Newspapers • Magazines • News broadcasts – audio/video • Timetables • Maps • Forms • Road signs • Menus • Films • Commercials • Adverts • And…………
- 4. Too difficult? Yes they are! Don’t edit or grade the text Grade the task according to level This reflects the ‘real’ situation in the language environment Saves the teacher time Encourages and motivates students – they ‘conquer’ a real text!
- 5. Stephen Krashen Distinction between acquisition and learning Acquisition – language we pick up subconsciously Learning – language we consciously study
- 6. Example A tourist information leaflet Advantages free/multiple copies/no copyright worries Activate schemata Are available in all languages therefore can be used in any language classroom
- 7. Creating tasks Remember Don’t edit or grade the text Grade the task according to the level Appropriate level of challenge
- 8. Reflection Ask yourself: How many of these would access schemata? How many of these would be useful in the real world? How many of these could lead to further project work? How many of these might you try in your own classes?