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The choice of whether or not to use a course book, and if so, which one, can be a complex issue. Often the teacher has to create his/her own materials or choose other materials to supplement the course book or replace sections that are not suitable to the class. These material can be divided into two groups: authentic and created.
Authentic materials are just about anything a native speaker would hear or read. These materials include: newspapers, magazines, songs, poems, films, etc. Because authentic materials are not graded for learning level, they must be carefully selected and skillfully used by the teacher. Reasons to use authentic materials include: they are real and therefore interesting and motivating, students gain confidence when they understand them, and they can be geared to the interests of students.
Created materials are usually designed by the teacher to to replace or supplement materials from a course book. These materials can be graded to the level of the students and target their particular interests. Common created materials include: crosswords, word searches, role play cards, flashcards, gap fills, and picture stories.
Course books are the text books provided by for the students to learn from. Advantages to using a coarse book include: It is easier for a teacher to use a course book instead of creating all of the materials needed from scratch, they are graded to a level that is suitable for students, they normally provide a balanced mix of work, they offer many good ideas for inexperienced teachers, etc. Course book disadvantages include: they do not always fit the needs and interests of the class, overuse can become boring to students, they can make teachers lazy and less creative, they can dictate what is to be taught and make the lessons less student centered, etc. The best uses of a course book include: not using the book for the whole lesson, choosing the lessons that will most motivate students, exploring ways to match the book to the needs of the students, not over-relying on the book, choosing which lessons should be supplemented/omitted/adapted/replaced, etc.
I learned a lot about coarse books and lesson materials in this unit. I think it can be good for teachers to use a course book that is well chosen for the needs of the students. I feel it is important for teachers to not over-rely on the course book and to replace, omit, supplement, and adapt the book as needed. I think the use of authentic materials that are well chosen to the interests of the students will help keep students interested and motivated. I feel students will be more likely to do outside reading and listening on their own if they are allowed to choose their own authentic materials, giving them more exposure to the language. Created materials are good for teachers to target areas where students need the most help. Created materials can also be specifically designed to the interests of students keeping lessons enjoyable and fun so they are more likely to attend classes.
