Assignment C, Part 2.2
Essay on using authentic materials and internet
a) The value of using authentic materials in foreign language teaching
Authentic materials help in building confidence by exposing foreign language students to
the language the way it is used in real life. It assists in bridging the gap between what has
been learnt from a set curriculum in the classroom and understanding the target language
as it is used by the native speaker. Students learning by using authentic materials are better
equipped and prepared to take part in conversations, not only based on their use of the
language, but also on the general knowledge gained from the various materials. Using
authentic materials can also assist the educator with content for the lessons. It eliminates
the need to create new content which in turn saves a lot of time. Using authentic materials
also assists in keeping the leaners interested in the lesson as the information is real world
and applies to them.
b) Reasons for the selection of this text and the 12 vocabulary items
When I saw the age range of the students I realised that I needed a text that would appeal
to all of them and could be applied to all of them in order to keep them interested in what
we were reading. I then knew a health related piece of text would be ideal. The specific
health issue I chose is universal and applies to everybody but is specific in prevention to
the older age category. It gives real life advice and prevention, which I felt that any student
reading it would be interested in and could take home and use and apply to themselves.
The 12 vocabulary items are relevant to understanding the text and are higher vocabulary
words which could mean that not all the students have an understanding of them to start
with. As part of activity 3 I selected a 2nd text necessary for assisting with debate prep. I
adapted by removing names of people and places to simplify the understanding of the text
due to the short space of time they had to read it.
c) Why my activities would be appropriate for this class
The activities chosen are not entry level activities which is perfect for C1 & C2 students.
The risk of students at this level getting bored is high and it is therefore necessary for an
educator to use activities that are challenging and requires students to get out of their
comfort zone. By doing this they are kept engaged and will feel like they are learning
something even though it’s difficult at times. Simple activities could lead to frustration and
irritation because they might feel like they are being treated like children. 2 of my activities
require group work or teamwork which is great for speaking and listening skills as well as
building relationships. The 2 competitive activities help build teamwork and discipline.
Essay on using authentic materials and internet
a) The value of using authentic materials in foreign language teaching
Authentic materials help in building confidence by exposing foreign language students to
the language the way it is used in real life. It assists in bridging the gap between what has
been learnt from a set curriculum in the classroom and understanding the target language
as it is used by the native speaker. Students learning by using authentic materials are better
equipped and prepared to take part in conversations, not only based on their use of the
language, but also on the general knowledge gained from the various materials. Using
authentic materials can also assist the educator with content for the lessons. It eliminates
the need to create new content which in turn saves a lot of time. Using authentic materials
also assists in keeping the leaners interested in the lesson as the information is real world
and applies to them.
b) Reasons for the selection of this text and the 12 vocabulary items
When I saw the age range of the students I realised that I needed a text that would appeal
to all of them and could be applied to all of them in order to keep them interested in what
we were reading. I then knew a health related piece of text would be ideal. The specific
health issue I chose is universal and applies to everybody but is specific in prevention to
the older age category. It gives real life advice and prevention, which I felt that any student
reading it would be interested in and could take home and use and apply to themselves.
The 12 vocabulary items are relevant to understanding the text and are higher vocabulary
words which could mean that not all the students have an understanding of them to start
with. As part of activity 3 I selected a 2nd text necessary for assisting with debate prep. I
adapted by removing names of people and places to simplify the understanding of the text
due to the short space of time they had to read it.
c) Why my activities would be appropriate for this class
The activities chosen are not entry level activities which is perfect for C1 & C2 students.
The risk of students at this level getting bored is high and it is therefore necessary for an
educator to use activities that are challenging and requires students to get out of their
comfort zone. By doing this they are kept engaged and will feel like they are learning
something even though it’s difficult at times. Simple activities could lead to frustration and
irritation because they might feel like they are being treated like children. 2 of my activities
require group work or teamwork which is great for speaking and listening skills as well as
building relationships. The 2 competitive activities help build teamwork and discipline.