Portafolio de Sistemas y Contextos Portafolio sistemas y contextos | Page 48

SISTEMAS Y CONTEXTOS EDUCATIVOS xlviii
DISADVANTAGES
There are a number of potential pitfalls for teachers who would be materials
designers. These can be considered fewer than three headings, the first of which is
organization. Coursebooks are usually organized around an identifiable principle and
follow a discernible pattern throughout. While this can be rather dull and boring (or
‘unrelenting’) it does provide both teachers and students with some security and a
coherent body of work to remember and revise from. In contrast, teacher-designed
materials may lack overall coherence and a clear progression. Without some overall
organizing principle, materials may be piecemeal and can result in poorly focused
activities lacking clear direction. This is frustrating and confusing for learners who
may not be able to see how their English is developing.
A further aspect of
organization relates to the physical organization and storage of materials. Without a
clearly thought through and well-organized system, teacher-produced materials may
be difficult to locate for ongoing use, or may end up damaged or with parts missing
(Howard, 2014).
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