Module 2: Lesson 5 - Materials

Question 1

What are 4 coursebook advantages?

Answer 1

• Cuts down on teacher preparation time
• Supplementary material usually provided
• Wide range of specialist topics available
• Gives a more professional image

Question 2

What are 4 coursebook disadvantages?

Answer 2

• Can become out-of-date quickly
• Unlikely to meet all your students’ needs
• Can be culturally dated or inappropriate
• Additional cost in providing the course

Question 3

What are some materials you could use as a BE teacher.

Answer 3

• Coursebooks
• Personalized material
• Learner’s experience
• Authentic materials

Question 4

What are the 5 factors to consider when selecting suitable materials for a BE lesson?

Answer 4

• Content: applies to the students’ needs and is up to date.
• Level: catering to low and high-level students.
• Mixed-ability groups: enough content to appeal to both low and high-level learners.
• Taboos: must be culturally relevant and sensitive, avoiding issues that are taboo for the cultural context in which you are teaching.
• Age: some activities requiring extended use of technology may prove frustrating or difficult for older students.

Question 5

Name some situations where a contingency plan might be needed.

Answer 5

Students are unparticipative: have one or two short, high-energy activities prepared that can be included in any class in order to boost the students’ attention and motivation.

Technology malfunction: have at least two stand-alone, flexible classes, that don’t require any complicated support and don’t need the students to have much previous knowledge.

Attendance issues: having a stand-alone lesson prepared in advance for a one-to-one class, is a huge advantage in this situation.

Students’ Level is not as Indicated: have an extension plan built into your lesson for both higher and lower level students.