Authentic Materials and Realia GO TEACHERS TOT October 2014

What do you think? There´s more than enough material in the course book. I don´t have time to use other materials. My students get bored with the same book in every lesson, so I use other materials as often as I can. I´d like to use other materials more often, but I find it difficult to fit them into my syllabus.

Session Objective By the end of this session, you will be able to recognize authentic materials and realia and be able to use them effectively in different teaching contexts.

What are authentic materials?

What are authentic materials? Authentic materials are intended to communicate meaning. Realia (objects) Printed texts (books, newspapers, magazines) Images (photographs, posters) Multimedia materials (audio, video, CDs, DVDs, computer-based programs)

Realia

Realia in EFL terms refers to: Realia definitions Realia in EFL terms refers to: real objects we use in the classroom to bring the class to life (Admin, 2008). everyday objects that we can relate to language by looking at them in new ways (Munford, 2008). objects and items brought into the classroom as examples or as aids to be talked or written about and used in teaching (Longman Dictionary of Language Teaching & Applied Linguistics).

What aren’t authentic materials? Materials designed to teach foreign language per se rather than communicate information are not authentic.

Benefits of using authentic materials and realia Authentic materials reflect the real use of language in culturally appropriate contexts. They can be chosen according to learner interests or needs. They naturally encourage students to be better readers and listeners. They create excitement, provide a break in the routine, and motivate students. Learners hear, read and produce language that serves a useful purpose.

Choose authentic materials that: align with the learners’ interests and language proficiency. meet lesson objectives and illustrate authentic use of the language. reflect the style of English learners are most likely to hear and use. use good quality video, sound, print, and graphics. simulate authentic activities in the classroom.

Common realia for different levels

Why do we use realia with young learners? It enhances kinesthetic learning by giving students hands-on experience. It helps visual learners. It is essential to the Total Physical Response (TPR) method.

Bring realia into your classroom! What could you teach using kitchen realia in your class?

Cook up a lesson to teach: vocabulary (verbs, ingredients, utensils) imperatives following instructions sequence words measurements time countable and uncountable nouns

More ideas for using authentic materials to teach grammar and vocabulary Use a tie to teach prepositions (pull the tie under, then over, then tuck it inside). Find verbs in the present tense in a magazine article and have students explain why the verbs are in that tense. Have a label race to identify items in the classroom.

Use authentic materials to practice communication skills Practice speaking and listening by asking students to do mock interviews or use menus to role play dialogues between servers and customers. Ask students to write letters to pen pals. Have a student read a recipe’s step-by-step instructions, while the rest of the class listens and mimes the steps.

Let’s practice! How can you use authentic materials to practice communication skills? In groups, use the recipe and menu provided to create lesson plans. Remember to include your objectives, the skills and grammar points in focus, the students’ language level, the activities, and the time frame.

Final thoughts Think about the aids you use most often. What learner characteristics make some aids more successful than others in different classes? Which aids are the most motivating for your learners?