4 Using Materials
During your course you will probably be introduced to a great variety of materials specially designed for EFL. You will also become aware of how much authentic material there is that can be used in the language classroom. TP is a time when you can begin to explore these materials and build up knowledge of what is available. This information gives an overview of the most commonly used types of materials in the English language classroom under two headings: Published materials and authentic materials.
Published materials Course books
In fact, the course book often comprises a set of materials: Student’ s or pupil’ s book( to be used in class), student’ s or pupil’ s workbook,( often useful for supplementary classwork, individual work or homework), cassettes( or use in class or at home), teacher’ s book and sometimes even a video.
What are the advantages of using a course book? Using a good course book has many advantages: It is what most teachers do and what many students expect.
It provides security for teachers and students and although time may be needed to evaluate and adapt a book it is less time-consuming than designing a syllabus and creating materials from scratch. So, it takes some of the preparation load off teachers.
It provides a syllabus which is graded roughly to the level suitable for the students.
It normally provides variety and a balanced diet of language work: Grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, skills work; it may contain study skills and learner development activities.
It gives continuity and progression. It is professionally produced with visuals, cassettes, etc. What are the disadvantages? When using a course book there are many pitfalls to be wary of:
It is not always easy to find a course book that will suit the needs and interests of all the students in your group both in terms of the language syllabus and the topics of the texts. You may have to compromise and use a course book that suits most of your student’ s most of the time.
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