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This unit introduced to me how to use different equipment and teaching aids to make lessons more interesting, effective and less dependable on the textbook. Some of the often found resources are:
1. The board: can be used for many things, such as writing, drawing, sticking things on, projecting overhead transparencies etc. It is important for all board work to be planned and organised. Only essential information should be put on the board, and while doing that, the teacher needs to pay attention to the accuracy, legibility, neatness, size, and highlight of the words and language being written.
2. Interactive whiteboard (IWB): requires connection to a computer or laptop. The teacher needs to take into account the following matters when using an IBW in the classroom:
- Test the lesson prior to the class and have a back-up plan
- The system selection and location of the IWB
- IWB training regime, for the teacher to understand the quirks of the operating system and the lesson software provided.
- Lesson planning with an IWB
- Making his/her own IBW lesson plans
- Using the IWB as a screen
3. Overhead projector (OHP): is useful for showing pre-prepared OHTs, or used as an alternative to the board. Teacher can use this teaching aid for presenting vocabulary, modeling and correcting grammar, showing different layout patterns, highlighting language point, giving feedback for writing exercises etc.
4. Visual aids: Real objects, pictures, and photos are the most common visual aids used, to illustrate meaning of words, set context for a lesson, and give prompts in games and story buildings. Some charts/maps can even be put up as a permanent display in the classroom. Teacher should make sure that the pictures are not ambiguous, and are big enough to be seen by every student sitting in the class.
5. Worksheets and work cards: can act as prompt/cue materials. Teacher can use them to make cards for vocabulary presentation and communication activities, also for reading and grammar exercises.
6. Cassette player/recorder: used to record authentic materials, students' communication, and the teacher's dialogues for use in the classroom. Teacher should get familiar with the machine and make sure it works prior to the class.
7. CD player: used as a primary audio source in the classroom, in place of cassettes. Teacher should know how to operate the device, to avoid time wasting and awkwardness in the class.
8. Videos and DVDs: can hold the students' attention more, and it is much easier to understand since students can see and hear at the same time. They are commonly used for presenting information, giving background to a topic, various forms of dialogues and interactions, building listening comprehension skill etc. For effective use of the video in the class room, the monitor needs to be big enough and located in the correct place so that all students can see it clearly. Besides, there must be some purposes/tasks for the students attached to each video being played.
9. Video camera: the teacher can record the students during activities, then play it back to them for analysis and discussion.
10. Computers can be used to:
- play CDs, DVDs, videos
- create and store lesson materials electronically
- search and download online materials
- correspond with the students
11. Dictionary: gives the students meaning, pronunciation and usage of the vocabulary, even helps them produce language. The teacher should give the students instructions on how to get the most from a dictionary, and encourage them to use an English - English dictionary suitable for their language level.
12. Coursebook: the teacher can replace/supplement/adapt extra materials/activities to stimulate and motivate the class while following the progress of the coursebook.
13. Resource books: range from grammar exercise books, through to communication games books, in which the teacher can find the reference of materials that could be used to adapt/supplement/replace materials from the coursebook.
14. Photocopier: to copy materials that are not in the students' coursebook. The teacher should avoid wasting paper while using the machine.
15. Online resources: thousands of websites that a TEFL teacher can use as a resources.
