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Unit 17 describes teaching equipment and teaching aids within the teaching process.
Teaching aids can make lessons more interesting and effective. There can be following teaching aids: boards, IWB, OHP, visual aids, worksheets, cassette recorder, CD and DVD players, video cameras, dictionaries, course books, resource books, computers, photocopier, online resources.
Boards can be used for writing, drawing, projecting OHTs, etc. But teacher should organize his/her work with the board. For example, write neatly, start lesson with a clean board, use different colours to underline, circle and highlight the important language points, bear in mind the accuracy and involve the students in the writing process.
Interactive whiteboards (IWB) are so-called smart boards. They are very popular nowadays. But teacher should remember to test the smart board prior to lessons, and have a back-up because computer can be broken. Also teacher should find the right position to this system as incorrect place can cause problems with understanding, motivation, etc. IWB training is essential part for effective use.
Overhead projector is useful for prepared overhead transparencies. OHP helps teacher grasp students attention. This type of teaching aids help teacher to decrease or even avoid “back time” while doing board work.
Visual aids are usually real objects, pictures or photos. They helps to show meaning more effectively than oral explaining. Visual aids attract student’s attention and stimulate discussions.
Worksheets can be bought or made by the teacher and usually they are used to adapt the lesson materials, to write teacher’s own exercises, for reading and writing exercises and vocabulary activities.
Cassette recorder was usually used to record authentic material, students communication or to make teacher’s own dialogues for lessons. It is very easy equipment but teacher should make sure that everything works prior to the lesson, make sure that volume is appropriate and listen in advance to the whole track to understand whether it is clear or not.
CD players are widely used in the classroom. The same requirements as for cassette recorder can be applied to the CD player.
Videos and DVDs make lesson more vivid and interesting. They help to build listening skills, present the information and motivate students for discussions.
Video camera can be useful in the classroom, too. The main purpose of the video camera is to record the students for further analysis and discussion. Camera also can be used for students projects.
Dictionaries are the most useful tool for students. Good dictionary help students find meaning, pronunciation and usage of a word or phrase.
Resource books are very different, they vary from grammar or vocabulary books to communication books. They are usually used to adapt, replace or supplement the material from a course book. This books shares with the teacher the brilliant ideas to make the lesson brighter.
Photocopiers are necessary for copying materials.
Computers are one of the most important teaching equipment in modern world. Usually teachers and students need computer to use word processors, play CDs, send and check email, play video clips, MP3.
Online resources is a treasure for the teacher. They contain almost everything. You can find dictionaries, tools and materials for learning and teaching, literature and poetry, additional resources (including authentic) on the Internet.
