Exploring Authentic Texts and Tasks Kate Reitzenstein Penny Coutas 2006

Texts Texts are culturally bound and culturally specific. As culture is embedded in the language and language is a vehicle for understanding culture, students need to be able to access and use different text types. LOTE texts should be wide ranging and varied, from brief conversations to lengthy and complex forms of writing. Curriculum Framework, 1998, p154

art works and artifacts Texts signs, notices, posters, forms, lists, menus, maps, timetables and other tabulated information, advertisements, packaging, diaries, notes, messages, fax, postcards, letters, email, sms, instructions, rules, recipes, labels, brochures, leaflets, catalogues, magazines, newspapers, stories, cartoon strips, plays, poetry, songs, internet sites, subtitles, radio announcements, radio advertisements, telephone/voicemail messages, extracts from media, cassettes, CDs, directions, instructions, recipes, dialogues and commentaries, talks, stories, anecdotes, jokes, songs, poetry, TV announcements TV advertisements, directions, instructions, video, film, television, internet sites, dialogue, news broadcasts, extracts from media, art works and artifacts http://www.flote.edu.au

Texts Wherever possible, texts should be authentic Texts which appear simple may be used for complex purposes Texts which may appear complex may be used for simple purposes Curriculum Framework, 1998, p154

Texts – some considerations Is the text from an Indonesian speaking community? How is cultural information presented? Are there any biases? Are multiple perspectives of target language and culture represented? How are contemporary and traditional cultures presented? Does this text challenge learners and extend their sociocultural and linguistic development? What phase of development is this text interesting and engaging for learners? Adapted from Liddicoat, A, Papdemetre, L, Scarino A and Kohler, M.2203, Report on intercultural language learning, Canberra; Department of Education, Science and Training, pp 31-70

Texts – some considerations It may be necessary at times to adapt texts to accommodate the needs of different students. Curriculum Framework, 1998, p154 Authenticity of purpose Authenticity of task Authenticity of conditions Liddicoat, A, Papdemetre, L, Scarino A and Kohler, M.2203, Report on intercultural language learning, Canberra; Department of Education, Science and Training, pp 31-70

Tasks May be structured and planned May arise out of normal classroom interaction Curriculum Framework, 1998, p154

2 Categories of tasks Language practice tasks involve practising or rehearsing language for real and purposeful language use. Language use tasks involve real and purposeful use of language….. (which is) spontaneous and unrehearsed. Curriculum Framework, 1998, p155

Tasks – some considerations How can learners respond to this text in an authentic and meaningful way? Does the use of the text reflect how it would be used in the real world? Does the task encourage communication and enable learners to make and convey meaning Adapted from Liddicoat, A, Papdemetre, L, Scarino A and Kohler, M.2203, Report on intercultural language learning, Canberra; Department of Education, Science and Training, pp 31-70