Assignment C, Part 2.2
Essay on using authentic materials and internet
Write a 500-700 word essay in which you:
a) Explain the value of using authentic materials in foreign language teaching (See Units 5 and 9 and do
your own research).
b) Say why you feel the text you have chosen would be appropriate for this class and explain the reasons for
your vocabulary selection. If you have adapted your text, explain the rationale for the changes you made in
this section.
c) Say why you feel the activities you have chosen would be appropriate for this class.
d) Comment on the advantages and disadvantages of using the internet for teaching and language
resources. (See Unit 10)
Please write the essay under the four headings given. The sections do not all have to be the same length.
a) The value of using authentic materials in foreign language teaching
It can be challenging for a teacher to motivate a student to learn, capture and maintain
interest. One way of doing so is to incorporate authentic materials. In constructivist
learning environments, students should interact with authentic activities and materials
representing the real life. As the authentic learning environments include the problems
and complexity present in real life, they provide the students with real life experiences.
(Aytunga Oguz and H. Ozge Bahar:2008)
By exposing students to authentic materials in foreign language teaching it provides your
higher-level students a chance to experience the target language as it is used by the
native speakers. Authentic materials go beyond what most coursebooks can impart; not
only do students learn vocabulary and grammar, but valuable cultural insights and practical
application of learned knowledge. (Aytunga Oguz and H. Ozge Bahar:2008)
b) Reasons for the selection of this text and the 12 vocabulary items
The text I have chosen provides the students a current and relevant topic which can
naturally lead to discussion. The text has been shortened in an effort to not overwhelm
the students and the content of the text provides the students with sufficient information
regarding the topic. The topic can spark many natural conversations as Air pollution is a
topic which many individuals feel very strongly about. Most students of this age already
have a broad understanding of Air pollution since it is a global crisis that the whole world
face, therefore they will be confident and comfortable enough to discuss this topic. The
text is a mixture of simple and higher-grade text which will challenge the students.
The vocabulary items are carefully selected to provide a good challenge to the class but at
the same time not being to difficult which would end up only frustrating the students.
c) Why my activities would be appropriate for this class
The authentic text provides the students with an association with the present reality and
gives the opportunity through the activities for critical thinking and creativity which is a
very important aspect of the English language. The activities are designed to encourage
and develop skills ranging from dictionary work all the way to more complex online
research and ends off with a poster design to create more awareness.
Essay on using authentic materials and internet
Write a 500-700 word essay in which you:
a) Explain the value of using authentic materials in foreign language teaching (See Units 5 and 9 and do
your own research).
b) Say why you feel the text you have chosen would be appropriate for this class and explain the reasons for
your vocabulary selection. If you have adapted your text, explain the rationale for the changes you made in
this section.
c) Say why you feel the activities you have chosen would be appropriate for this class.
d) Comment on the advantages and disadvantages of using the internet for teaching and language
resources. (See Unit 10)
Please write the essay under the four headings given. The sections do not all have to be the same length.
a) The value of using authentic materials in foreign language teaching
It can be challenging for a teacher to motivate a student to learn, capture and maintain
interest. One way of doing so is to incorporate authentic materials. In constructivist
learning environments, students should interact with authentic activities and materials
representing the real life. As the authentic learning environments include the problems
and complexity present in real life, they provide the students with real life experiences.
(Aytunga Oguz and H. Ozge Bahar:2008)
By exposing students to authentic materials in foreign language teaching it provides your
higher-level students a chance to experience the target language as it is used by the
native speakers. Authentic materials go beyond what most coursebooks can impart; not
only do students learn vocabulary and grammar, but valuable cultural insights and practical
application of learned knowledge. (Aytunga Oguz and H. Ozge Bahar:2008)
b) Reasons for the selection of this text and the 12 vocabulary items
The text I have chosen provides the students a current and relevant topic which can
naturally lead to discussion. The text has been shortened in an effort to not overwhelm
the students and the content of the text provides the students with sufficient information
regarding the topic. The topic can spark many natural conversations as Air pollution is a
topic which many individuals feel very strongly about. Most students of this age already
have a broad understanding of Air pollution since it is a global crisis that the whole world
face, therefore they will be confident and comfortable enough to discuss this topic. The
text is a mixture of simple and higher-grade text which will challenge the students.
The vocabulary items are carefully selected to provide a good challenge to the class but at
the same time not being to difficult which would end up only frustrating the students.
c) Why my activities would be appropriate for this class
The authentic text provides the students with an association with the present reality and
gives the opportunity through the activities for critical thinking and creativity which is a
very important aspect of the English language. The activities are designed to encourage
and develop skills ranging from dictionary work all the way to more complex online
research and ends off with a poster design to create more awareness.
