Authentic materials/

Realia
PC Ecuador TEFL WEEK
August, 2014
Think about

1. Theres more than enough material in the
coursebook. I dont have time to use other
materials.
2. My students get bored with the same book in
every lesson, so I use other materials as often
as I can.
3. Id like to use other materials more often, but I
find it difficult to fit them into my syllabus.
What are authentic materials?
What arent authentic materials?
What are the kinds of authentic material?

1. Realia (objects).
2. Printed texts (books, newspapers).
3. Different kind of images (photographs,
posters).
4. Multimedia materials (audio, video, CDs,
DVDs, computer-based programs)

Reasons for using authentic materials

They enable the learner to hear, read and produce language as it is used in the
target culture.

They reflect real use of language in culturally appropriate contexts.

They are interesting and motivating.

They can be chosen according to learner interests or needs, or be chosen by
learner themselves for their own purposes.

Through their use, learners can begin to develop survival language skills,
learning to develop a tolerance for what they cannot understand in order to get
as much information as they can from what they do understand.
So why use authentic materials?

They provide a natural model that encourages students
to be better readers and listeners.

This is their ultimate goalwhat they will do eventually.
Guidelines for choosing authentic materials

The materials are appropriate for the learner age group in terms of
interest and level of language proficiency.

The materials contain examples of the point of the lesson, illustrating
authentic use of the language points.

The materials are in a style of English learners are most likely to
hear and use. For example, listening texts can include any of the
various forms of native speaker English and/or examples of native
and non-native English that are likely to be used in the learners
environment.
Guidelines for choosing authentic materials


The materials are available locally, on the internet, or have been
collected by the teacher.

The materials are of good quality, whether print, sound, pictures, or
other graphics.

The materials can be used in the classroom for to simulate authentic
tasks and activities.


Communicative Approach + Multiple
Intelligences
Use Realia= Break Traditional techniques
Realia as a resource
Realia definitions in EFL terms:

any real objects we use in the classroom to bring the class
to life (Admin, 2008).
everyday objects that surround us by relating them to
language and looking at them in new ways (Munford,
2008).
(in language teaching) actual objects and items which are
brought into the classroom as examples or as aids to be
talked or written about and used in teaching ( Longman
Dictionary of Language Teaching & Applied Linguistics.)

Realia
Why should we use realia?


Kinesthetic learning is the type of learning that students will
most effectively acquire, largely because they have hands-on
experience.
The use of realia brings a change in the class, a break from
typical activities like reading, working on the book, etc.
They are often more interesting than material from text books
and can be about subjects that really engage the students.
Students will be expected to use real material when they
leave your classes.

It will create excitement; students will learn
and have fun
Students have the chance to practice real
life situations
Students will understand why theyre
learning a particular ESL component.
Common realia for different
levels
Using Realia for young learners

Realia is a must
Visual learners
TPR & Imperatives
Realia for learning vocab and grammar

Realia can be used indirectly as a tool for
teaching grammar, for example, items of
food and drink are perfect for teaching
uncountable and countable nouns.
Final reflection

Think about the aids you use most often. What
learner characteristics make some aids more
succesful than others in different classes?

Which aids are the most motivating for your
learners?