Welcome to the world of materials in the English 420!

Development of Didactic Material in the Teaching of English as a Second Language

In this blog, you will find information related to the materials used in the Teaching of English as a Second Language, in addition to finding work done by fourth-year students of the Autonomous University of Chiriquí (UNACHI).

This class is taught by Professor Marisol Barraza.

 

Objective

In this blog we seek to introduce and publicize the different materials that can be used to develop a class.

 Materials definition

Educational materials are the objects that we use as teachers to facilitate and guide the learning process of our students. These resources may include books, posters, maps, photographs, posters, videos, and software, among others. We also consider as educational resources those materials and equipment that help us present and develop the contents, as well as allow students to work with them to build significant knowledge.

 Importance

The educational materials utilized in teaching play a vital role in reinforcing students' understanding, enabling them to review and assess their knowledge. These materials contribute to enhancing academic motivation and fostering a genuine interest in the subjects covered in the classroom.

 Reasons

Language educators should use materials in their teaching for several important reasons:

Real-world examples: Materials help students learn how language is used in everyday life. Things like newspapers, videos, and recordings show them how people really speak and write. This prepares them for real-world situations outside the classroom.

 

Context and meaning: Materials give language learning meaning by providing situations where students can understand and use the language. They help students see how language changes depending on the situation, like when you talk to friends, in a job, or in school.

 

Different ways of speaking: Materials expose students to different accents, ways of speaking, and types of language. They learn about different dialects, regional differences, and how language can be more formal or informal. This helps them understand and adapt to different situations.

 

Cultural understanding: Materials teach students about the culture of the language they are learning. Language and culture are connected, so materials can show students things like customs, traditions, and perspectives. This helps students appreciate and understand the people who speak the language.

 

Fun and motivation: Using interesting materials can make learning more enjoyable and keep students motivated. When students are interested, they participate more and remember what they learn better. Materials like news articles, songs, or movies can make learning exciting.

 

Developing different skills: Materials allow students to practice different language skills at the same time. They can read, listen, write, and speak using materials. For example, a newspaper article can be used for reading, vocabulary, discussion, and writing exercises. This helps students improve multiple skills together.

 

Enhancing coursebooks: Materials can be used together with textbooks to add more variety and real-life examples. While textbooks provide structure, materials make learning more interesting and practical. They give students extra practice, cover different topics, and meet individual interests and needs.

 By using materials, language educators create a more authentic and engaging learning environment. Students learn how language is really used, understand different cultures, and stay motivated. Materials also help them develop multiple language skills and make learning more interesting than just using textbooks alone.