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This unit helps to understand the various types of lesson materials out there and understand the extent to which a coursebook should or should not be used. Whiteboards, visual aids, worksheets, CDs, videos, dictionaries, coursebooks, resource books and photocopies are examples of materials used in a classroom. Materials used in a classroom can either be classified as authentic or created(non-authentic). Authentic material includes newspapers, magazines, brochures, menus, songs and poems. Authentic material is not graded for level of the students, however, are real and therefore more interesting and motivating for students. Also, students can gain confidence when they understand the authentic material. Authentic materials can be adapted to the interests of a particular group of students. Created material includes flashcards, crosswords, word searches, picture stories, games and role-play cards. Created materials can be graded to the level of the students.
The use of coursebooks has its fair share of advantages as well as disadvantages. Advantages of using a coursebook are that it is quicker than creating your own material from scratch, is graded for the level of the students, offers continuity and monitors progression, students usually expect to use coursebooks and are good for new teachers who are new to the ropes of creating interesting and motivating material for their students. Disadvantages of using a coursebook are that it should not be used for the entire class, they may not cover the interests or needs of the students, tends to be a compromise, may dictate the teaching and may not be liked or favoured by the teacher or students.
Should a teacher need to use a coursebook, the teacher should implement these four options; omit, replace, supplement and adapt. Teachers may omit certain lessons from the coursebook that are not relevant to the students. Teachers could replace the lessons with similar but more appropriate material instead of omitting it. Teachers could also supplement some of the materials in the coursebook by adding extra materials to reinforce or further the engagement of the students. Finally, teachers should use the basic materials but adopt their own style and way of delivering the materials.
Factors that need to be considered when choosing a coursebook include price, availability, design, methodology, skills, difficulty, syllabus, topics, teacher's guide as well as additional materials or resources.
At the end of the day, it is important for the teacher to ensure a balance in the authentic materials as well as created materials used in class. Teachers also need to weigh in all the above-mentioned factors before deciding how closely they should follow or divert from a coursebook.
