Assignment C, Part 2.2
Essay on using authentic materials and internet
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 Gilson).
Authentic materials can play multiple roles in language teaching, enable learners to interact
with real language and content rather than the form (grammar and vocabulary). However, the
proper and systematic use of these materials at classes give students understanding that they
are learning a language as it is used outside the classroom, prepare them for real
communication.
A) The value of using authentic materials in foreign language teaching
I have used authentic travel materials in this assignment and by doing that I could make
real-life examples of language used in everyday situations which helps students develop a
broader language base. These materials are a powerful teaching aid because it can
transport the students out of the workbook and into the real world (The TEFL Academy, Unit
9). By using this powerful teaching aid, I was able to make my lesson more fun and
interesting for advanced level students, who is at an age where they will love to travel and
explore the world. My authentic reading passage provides students with a connection to the
real world that they live in, the more a lesson gains authenticity.
B) Reasons for the selection of this text and the 12 vocabulary items
Since I am dealing with 15 mixed nationality advanced students, I have chosen this specific
topic because it will be intriguing and exciting for students who want to know more about
Italy and other countries for that matter. I chose a travelling brochure because I want to
take students to an authentic learning experience that leads to creativity, discovery,
awareness and development in and outside the real world. Many of these students already
have a board understanding of the country they currently live in therefore, they will
confident and comfortable enough discuss this topic. Also, the activities I have chosen will
improve student’s vocabulary, speaking and pronunciation skills.
C) Why my activities would be appropriate for this class
Travel is important for everyone and it offers a great deal to the youth of the world. I
thought it will be a fun and rather interesting topic for these mixed nationality students who
can learn the tricks of the trade on the internet. The reason why I chose this topic is
because travelling is extremely important for youth is because it offers a variety of
educational experiences and it gives your child an even greater idea of what is really going
on in the world, they live in. I have also done some research on google about a few travel
articles and found that most of these articles describe places that people have visited and
trip itinerary that they have made to help us when planning a trip. I have also found
intriguing worksheets that students can work on and broaden their knowledge about the
roman empire, Italy.
D) Advantages and disadvantages of using the internet for teaching and language
resources
The internet has become an integral part of our everyday life, it has interwoven teaching
and language resources making teaching in classrooms more entertaining, exciting and
enjoyable. A huge advantage of using the internet for authentic materials in the classroom
is that teachers use of authentic texts is to find interesting and relevant texts for your
students from your own reading of the internet, newspapers, magazines. The chances of
finding a good text while reading through a textbook or graded reader for pleasure are
much fewer! By using the internet for this assignment, I found that the use of authentic
materials, however, has positive effect on learner motivation and provides exposure to real
language. It also relates more closely to learners’ needs and support a more creative
approach to teaching. However, one of the disadvantages I have encountered is that
created materials like textbooks can be motivating for learners but also often contain
difficult language.
Essay on using authentic materials and internet
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 Gilson).
Authentic materials can play multiple roles in language teaching, enable learners to interact
with real language and content rather than the form (grammar and vocabulary). However, the
proper and systematic use of these materials at classes give students understanding that they
are learning a language as it is used outside the classroom, prepare them for real
communication.
A) The value of using authentic materials in foreign language teaching
I have used authentic travel materials in this assignment and by doing that I could make
real-life examples of language used in everyday situations which helps students develop a
broader language base. These materials are a powerful teaching aid because it can
transport the students out of the workbook and into the real world (The TEFL Academy, Unit
9). By using this powerful teaching aid, I was able to make my lesson more fun and
interesting for advanced level students, who is at an age where they will love to travel and
explore the world. My authentic reading passage provides students with a connection to the
real world that they live in, the more a lesson gains authenticity.
B) Reasons for the selection of this text and the 12 vocabulary items
Since I am dealing with 15 mixed nationality advanced students, I have chosen this specific
topic because it will be intriguing and exciting for students who want to know more about
Italy and other countries for that matter. I chose a travelling brochure because I want to
take students to an authentic learning experience that leads to creativity, discovery,
awareness and development in and outside the real world. Many of these students already
have a board understanding of the country they currently live in therefore, they will
confident and comfortable enough discuss this topic. Also, the activities I have chosen will
improve student’s vocabulary, speaking and pronunciation skills.
C) Why my activities would be appropriate for this class
Travel is important for everyone and it offers a great deal to the youth of the world. I
thought it will be a fun and rather interesting topic for these mixed nationality students who
can learn the tricks of the trade on the internet. The reason why I chose this topic is
because travelling is extremely important for youth is because it offers a variety of
educational experiences and it gives your child an even greater idea of what is really going
on in the world, they live in. I have also done some research on google about a few travel
articles and found that most of these articles describe places that people have visited and
trip itinerary that they have made to help us when planning a trip. I have also found
intriguing worksheets that students can work on and broaden their knowledge about the
roman empire, Italy.
D) Advantages and disadvantages of using the internet for teaching and language
resources
The internet has become an integral part of our everyday life, it has interwoven teaching
and language resources making teaching in classrooms more entertaining, exciting and
enjoyable. A huge advantage of using the internet for authentic materials in the classroom
is that teachers use of authentic texts is to find interesting and relevant texts for your
students from your own reading of the internet, newspapers, magazines. The chances of
finding a good text while reading through a textbook or graded reader for pleasure are
much fewer! By using the internet for this assignment, I found that the use of authentic
materials, however, has positive effect on learner motivation and provides exposure to real
language. It also relates more closely to learners’ needs and support a more creative
approach to teaching. However, one of the disadvantages I have encountered is that
created materials like textbooks can be motivating for learners but also often contain
difficult language.
