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REPORT - Advantages For Authentic and Created Materials - EL117 Language Learning Materials Development - Christian Joy E
REPORT - Advantages For Authentic and Created Materials - EL117 Language Learning Materials Development - Christian Joy E
Teaching materials are very important for teachers and students in the learning process to improve
the quality of learning. Without teaching materials, it will be difficult for teachers to increase the effectiveness
of learning, and it will be difficult for students to follow the learning process in class.
Authentic Materials
Authentic' implies material that was not produced for language learning (Paton & Wilkins, 2009). Authentic
materials mean any text (printed or digital) or tape which was produced for a purpose other than teaching the target
language (Gardner & Miller, 1999). According to Carter & Nunan (2001, p. 68) authentic materials are "ordinary
texts not produced specifically for language teaching purposes."
There are many examples of authentic materials which can be used in EFL and ESL classrooms (Gebhard, 2006).
It may consist of text, graphics, or audio; realia, such as tickets, menus, maps, and schedules; or things, such as
items, equipment, components, or models.
Realia - (real-world objects/miniatures) can be employed effectively to catch students' attention in EFL and
ESL classes. Ex.: dolls, puppets, currency, key rings, scissors, folded paper, toothpaste, toothbrushes, combs,
stuffed and toy animals, plastic forks and spoons, dishes, glasses, bowls, wallets, purses, balls.
Authentic Listening Materials - including silent films, television commercials, quiz programs, cartoons,
news snippets, comedy shows, plays, films, and soap operas; radio news, drama, and advertisements.
Authentic Visual Components - Among them are slides, photographs, paintings, sketches, children's
drawings, stick-figure drawings, wordless street signs, silhouettes, calendar pictures, pictures from travel,
news, popular magazines, ink blots, postcard pictures, and wordless picture books.
Authenticity
Defining 'authenticity' is a vital element for both materials designers and language teachers, who are willing
to employ authenticity in language teaching in EFL classrooms. According to Tatsuki (2006) "authenticity, is taken
as being synonymous with genuineness, realness, truthfulness, validity, reliability… of materials.
Types of Authenticity
According to Breen (1985) there are four types of authenticity. These are: text authenticity, learner
authenticity, task authenticity and authenticity of the classroom. These types are discussed below:
Authenticity of text: refers to the authentic qualities of a text. Authentic texts in the context of language
learning, means any source of information used to help learners to develop an authentic understanding.
Authenticity of learners: refers to the ability of learners to interpret the meaning present in the text like the
native speakers do in the real world.
Authenticity of the tasks: refers to the chosen tasks provided for the learners to be engaged in an authentic
communication and authentic aims for learning.
Authenticity of the classroom: the most important role of the classroom is to enable the learners to
experience "public and interpersonal sharing of content of language learning, the sharing of problems with
such content, and revealing of the most effective means and strategies to overcome such problems." Breen
(1985, p. 67).
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