Evaluating Materials for Teaching English to Adult Speakers of other Languages

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Evaluating Materials for Teaching English to Adult Speakers of other Languages

by Carol Griffiths

“There are many factors to be taken into account when evaluating material for use with speakers of other languages. According to Nunan (1988): "materials are, in fact, an essential element within the curriculum, and do more than simply lubricate the wheels of learning. At their best they provide concrete models of desirable classroom practice, they act as curriculum models, and at their very best they fulfill a teacher development role. Good materials also provide models for teachers to follow in developing their own materials."

REACTION :


Yes, materials are essential element aside from the method of instructions in learning L2. That is why I’m not using English Textbook in teaching but rather I made or look for materials that will equal the learner needs based on their educational or professional background. Therefore, interviewing and knowing fully the learner is also indispensable.

I discover that using only English Textbook would not make a learner become conversant with the language. Which are unfortunately, most English students are learning only the formal English found in textbooks and schools. “The problem is- native speakers don't use that kind of English in most situations. When speaking to friends, family, or co-workers, native speakers use casual English that is full of idioms, phrasal verbs, and slang. To communicate with native speakers, a learner should not rely only on textbooks, but rather learn casual English according to A.J. Hoge. ”

This is also the main reason why I found out that ESP (which I’m using with my foreigner students ON LINE or one on one) is the most effective method to apply for adult learners of L2. And understanding the learners’ needs and goal would dictate what materials to prepare. ESP is designed to prepare students or working adults for the English used in specific disciplines, vocations, or professions to accomplish specific purposes. According to Hutchinson and Waters (1987, p. 19), “ESP is an approach to language teaching in which all decisions as to content and method are based on the learner’s reason for learning.”