Assignment C - Part 3
Essay
a) The value of using authentic materials in foreign language teaching:
It is a great way of improving not only students' general skills but also their confidence in real life
situations and communication. Unlike boring course books or any other materials that
intentionally made for teaching a foreign language, the authentic materials can make the learning
process more fun, engaging and motivating for students. Course books are of course good for
teaching the basis of the language and also safe to follow as a syllabus but it is not enough on its
own. Therefore, authentic materials will be a great support to course books where teachers and
students can utilize a wide range of resources such as songs, maps, application forms, magazine
articles, emails, etc. Teachers can choose the materials depending on students' level, age,
interests. These materials can also provide information about the target culture so while students
learn the language they can get some ideas of the culture and culture's perspective on an issue.
I believe without exposure of authentic materials, students might struggle to cope when using the
language anywhere outside the classroom.
b) Reasons for the selection of this text and the 12 vocabulary items. Rationale for changes to
text, if applicable.
The authentic text I have chosen is about happiness vs. money. The importance of money is an
undeniable fact in our life but what about its effects on happiness. I believe it is an interesting
topic and all my students will have a strong opinion about it. Students will be vibrant and
motivated during the lesson regardless what nationality they are, what job they do or what they
study. I have selected 12 vocabulary items to pre-teach including chunks of words and phrasal
verbs. Those words that my students can understand the text in general after defined or being
elicited and add them in their vocabulary book. They might find some words more challenging
than others however after practising them in sentences regularly they will learn the words and use
them naturally.
c) Why my activities are appropriate for this class:
My first activity that I have chosen for my students is Dictionary quiz. Students will add some
useful vocabulary items to their knowledge and it will help developing their dictionary skills. Then I
continue with a more complex activity which involves lots of research on internet, reading and
working with a partner so it helps them improve their four skills.
I end the lesson with a follow up activity- Crossword puzzle. Students will recall recently learned
vocabulary. If we don't have enough time to work on the activity during the lesson, it can be set as
a homework. (Also debate is a 2nd great idea for this topic as a follow-up activity "Money vs.
Happiness" A group- Money is a key for happiness B group- Money is not a key for happiness) I
believe all my activities are suitable for the level of my students, age and interests.
© 2020 The TEFL Academy. All rights reserved. 1
Essay
a) The value of using authentic materials in foreign language teaching:
It is a great way of improving not only students' general skills but also their confidence in real life
situations and communication. Unlike boring course books or any other materials that
intentionally made for teaching a foreign language, the authentic materials can make the learning
process more fun, engaging and motivating for students. Course books are of course good for
teaching the basis of the language and also safe to follow as a syllabus but it is not enough on its
own. Therefore, authentic materials will be a great support to course books where teachers and
students can utilize a wide range of resources such as songs, maps, application forms, magazine
articles, emails, etc. Teachers can choose the materials depending on students' level, age,
interests. These materials can also provide information about the target culture so while students
learn the language they can get some ideas of the culture and culture's perspective on an issue.
I believe without exposure of authentic materials, students might struggle to cope when using the
language anywhere outside the classroom.
b) Reasons for the selection of this text and the 12 vocabulary items. Rationale for changes to
text, if applicable.
The authentic text I have chosen is about happiness vs. money. The importance of money is an
undeniable fact in our life but what about its effects on happiness. I believe it is an interesting
topic and all my students will have a strong opinion about it. Students will be vibrant and
motivated during the lesson regardless what nationality they are, what job they do or what they
study. I have selected 12 vocabulary items to pre-teach including chunks of words and phrasal
verbs. Those words that my students can understand the text in general after defined or being
elicited and add them in their vocabulary book. They might find some words more challenging
than others however after practising them in sentences regularly they will learn the words and use
them naturally.
c) Why my activities are appropriate for this class:
My first activity that I have chosen for my students is Dictionary quiz. Students will add some
useful vocabulary items to their knowledge and it will help developing their dictionary skills. Then I
continue with a more complex activity which involves lots of research on internet, reading and
working with a partner so it helps them improve their four skills.
I end the lesson with a follow up activity- Crossword puzzle. Students will recall recently learned
vocabulary. If we don't have enough time to work on the activity during the lesson, it can be set as
a homework. (Also debate is a 2nd great idea for this topic as a follow-up activity "Money vs.
Happiness" A group- Money is a key for happiness B group- Money is not a key for happiness) I
believe all my activities are suitable for the level of my students, age and interests.
© 2020 The TEFL Academy. All rights reserved. 1
