Assignment C - Part 3
Essay
600-700 word Essay on Using Authentic Materials and the Internet
The value of using authentic materials in foreign language teaching:
Authentic texts are defined as “written by members of a language and culture group for members of the same
language and culture group” (Galloway, 1998, p. 133, as cited in Glisan).
Authentic materials carry real life examples of language used in everyday lives. These include newspapers; songs;
magazines; information brochures; motivational articles; etc which help ESL students develop a broader language base.
Regular and correct usage of authentic materials will transport students into the real world. Students will relate to and
communicate better with the producers of the material whether written or spoken, e.g, writers; singers; speakers;
reporters; artists; etc. Carefully chosen authentic materials will motivate, inspire and provide refreshing change to the
usual mundane grammatically structured language lesson. Students will encounter these materials in their daily lives
and can practice the language at leisure. Language acquisition becomes more creative, purposeful, meaningful and
memorable. It brings authenticity and realism to their learning as it prepares students for a world they will eventually
have to engage in as citizens. [168]
Reasons for the selection of this text and the 12 vocabulary items. Rationale for changes to text, if applicable.
This mixed nationality class of 20 to 40 year olds are embarking on a new endeavour of learning a foreign language in a
foreign country and probably feeling intimidated and insecure, hence the need for added motivation and
encouragement to complete their studies successfully and confidently. The text prepares them to face their challenges
and adversities head-on and, to adopt a positive growth mindset. The video clip with cartoon animations makes the
viewer feel less daunted about lacking confidence and reminds us that any challenge can be overcome with correct
strategies in place. The chosen vocabulary would especially be suitable for the university and working students, as they
would help them engage and interact with their peers. In general the lexis is suitable to all the students and promises
to help them reflect on prior knowledge as well as build on new concepts. With just 3 tips to focus on, the text helps
students to understand the contextual message comfortably and with promise. [163]
Why my activities are appropriate for this class:
The dictionary quiz entrenches the meanings of the selected vocabulary through the practise of using them in different
contexts. Advanced ESL students need to master dictionary skills in order to better understand the subject and
improve communication skills.
The 3 online resource activities will challenge and equip them with skills needed for students of their calibre. They may
know how to search the internet, using links, however, learning to research blogs, applying that knowledge to express
themselves in a foreign language and download E-books in English will certainly give them an added edge and boost
their confidence in using electronic mediums of study.
The puzzle activity is meant to be interactive and fun, while the pun activity will make language acquisition humorous,
and memorable. Both these activities are designed to challenge their critical thinking skills.
As these activities are completed at different times, they are so designed to test students’ memory retention and
language proficiency. The different activities repeat and recycle the various vocabulary and concepts so that students
will be able to implement skills acquired in their daily interactions with peers and locals. [184]
Advantages and disadvantages of using the internet as a resource for classroom teaching: (You are not required to
talk about teaching online)
Authentic materials, lesson plans and student activities can easily be accessed online. Online tasks and educational
games make lessons enjoyable and memorable. Digitized teaching materials, such as quizzes and crossword puzzles
can be created. Youtube and TedTalk videos are useful teaching aids that bring the world into the classroom, making
ESL students feel less intimidated and more encouraged to explore new concepts and methods. Students develop basic
© 2020 The TEFL Academy. All rights reserved. 1
Essay
600-700 word Essay on Using Authentic Materials and the Internet
The value of using authentic materials in foreign language teaching:
Authentic texts are defined as “written by members of a language and culture group for members of the same
language and culture group” (Galloway, 1998, p. 133, as cited in Glisan).
Authentic materials carry real life examples of language used in everyday lives. These include newspapers; songs;
magazines; information brochures; motivational articles; etc which help ESL students develop a broader language base.
Regular and correct usage of authentic materials will transport students into the real world. Students will relate to and
communicate better with the producers of the material whether written or spoken, e.g, writers; singers; speakers;
reporters; artists; etc. Carefully chosen authentic materials will motivate, inspire and provide refreshing change to the
usual mundane grammatically structured language lesson. Students will encounter these materials in their daily lives
and can practice the language at leisure. Language acquisition becomes more creative, purposeful, meaningful and
memorable. It brings authenticity and realism to their learning as it prepares students for a world they will eventually
have to engage in as citizens. [168]
Reasons for the selection of this text and the 12 vocabulary items. Rationale for changes to text, if applicable.
This mixed nationality class of 20 to 40 year olds are embarking on a new endeavour of learning a foreign language in a
foreign country and probably feeling intimidated and insecure, hence the need for added motivation and
encouragement to complete their studies successfully and confidently. The text prepares them to face their challenges
and adversities head-on and, to adopt a positive growth mindset. The video clip with cartoon animations makes the
viewer feel less daunted about lacking confidence and reminds us that any challenge can be overcome with correct
strategies in place. The chosen vocabulary would especially be suitable for the university and working students, as they
would help them engage and interact with their peers. In general the lexis is suitable to all the students and promises
to help them reflect on prior knowledge as well as build on new concepts. With just 3 tips to focus on, the text helps
students to understand the contextual message comfortably and with promise. [163]
Why my activities are appropriate for this class:
The dictionary quiz entrenches the meanings of the selected vocabulary through the practise of using them in different
contexts. Advanced ESL students need to master dictionary skills in order to better understand the subject and
improve communication skills.
The 3 online resource activities will challenge and equip them with skills needed for students of their calibre. They may
know how to search the internet, using links, however, learning to research blogs, applying that knowledge to express
themselves in a foreign language and download E-books in English will certainly give them an added edge and boost
their confidence in using electronic mediums of study.
The puzzle activity is meant to be interactive and fun, while the pun activity will make language acquisition humorous,
and memorable. Both these activities are designed to challenge their critical thinking skills.
As these activities are completed at different times, they are so designed to test students’ memory retention and
language proficiency. The different activities repeat and recycle the various vocabulary and concepts so that students
will be able to implement skills acquired in their daily interactions with peers and locals. [184]
Advantages and disadvantages of using the internet as a resource for classroom teaching: (You are not required to
talk about teaching online)
Authentic materials, lesson plans and student activities can easily be accessed online. Online tasks and educational
games make lessons enjoyable and memorable. Digitized teaching materials, such as quizzes and crossword puzzles
can be created. Youtube and TedTalk videos are useful teaching aids that bring the world into the classroom, making
ESL students feel less intimidated and more encouraged to explore new concepts and methods. Students develop basic
© 2020 The TEFL Academy. All rights reserved. 1
