Summary

Unit 22 Consulting reference resources to help in lesson preparation

 

What are reference resources?

• They are all the information about language and about teaching that we can refer to for help in lesson preparation.
  
• Reference material (dictionaries, grammar books, methodology books and articles, teacher's books, websites)
  
• People
  

Reasons for using reference resources:

1. Checking the form and use of grammatical structures (Grammar books)
   
2. Checking the spelling, pronunciation and use of Lexical items (Dictionaries)
   
3. Developing your own understanding of Language (Language Awareness Books)
   
4. Anticipating learners' difficulties (Common errors)
   
5. Looking for new approaches to teaching lessons and new classroom activities.
   
6. Finding out how to use the material in your course book (Teacher's books or Resources book)
   
7. Getting advice about particular lessons or teaching materials (Colleague's Approach)
   

Reference resources:

• Posters
  
• Flashcards
  
• CD ROMS
  
• Computer programs
  
• Games
  
• Songs and Chants
  
• Tongue Twisters
  
  
   
  Unit 23 Selection and use of course book materials
  

Course book materials are all the material in a course book package that we use in the classroom to present and practice language, and to develop learners' language skills:

• Student's book
  
• Teacher's book
  
• Audio
  
• Video
  
• Workbook
  
• CD-ROM
  

Which course book to use?

• Is the material visually attractive?
  
• Is it well organized?
  
• Is it culturally appropriate?
  
• Is it suitable for learner's age, needs and interests?
  
• Will the topics be motivating?
  
• Is it at the right level?
  
• Does it provide a clear enough context or explanations for learners to understand new language?
  
• Does it give learners enough opportunities to use the language?
  

When the course book is not appropriate:

• Replace the course book
  
• Adapt the course book
  

Important concepts:

• The course book will normally provide the main content for a lesson, while material that needs to be more personalized for learners will probably come from the teacher (or from the learners themselves)
  

Course book provide:

• Situation/context
  
• Pictures
  
• Dialogues and texts
  
• Tasks and exercises
  

Teachers can provide additional:

• Warmers
  
• Instructions
  
• Role-plays
  
• Homework tasks