Jasmine May D.
Llovit
WHAT ARE AUTHENTIC MATERIALS?
Authentic materials for the English language classroom are often free and very easy
to find online or perhaps in certain locations in your communities. Here are some
examples:
TV shows, news segments, documentaries, movie clips and trailers, online videos,
and commercials
Radio broadcasts, songs, and podcasts
Photographs, artwork, signs, postcards, maps, and advertisements
Magazines, letters and emails, news articles, brochures, websites, blogs, and social
media posts
Recipes, food labels, bus and train schedules, menus, and price tags and product
descriptions
WHAT ARE NON AUTHENTIC MATERIALS?
Non authentic material’ refers to anything that has been designed specifically to aid
the teaching process such as:
Worksheets
Text books
Cassettes
Grammar Books
Instructional CD’s or DVD’S.
Importance of the Development of Language Materials for Learning
The development of language materials is crucial for effective learning. Here are
some reasons why:
1. Access to Resources: Language materials provide learners with a wide range of
resources to enhance their language skills. These materials can include textbooks,
workbooks, audio recordings, videos, online platforms, and interactive activities.
Having access to a variety of materials allows learners to explore different aspects of
the language and practice their skills in various contexts.
2. Structured Learning: Language materials provide a structured approach to
learning. They are designed to guide learners through progressive stages, starting
from basic concepts and gradually building up to more advanced topics. This
organized progression helps learners develop a solid foundation in the language and
ensures that they cover all essential aspects of language learning.
3. Practice and Reinforcement: Language materials offer opportunities for practice
and reinforcement. They often include exercises, quizzes, and activities that allow
learners to apply what they have learned and reinforce their understanding. Regular
practice is vital for language acquisition as it helps learners internalize grammar rules,
expand their vocabulary, and improve their speaking, listening, reading, and writing
skills.
4. Authentic Language Use: Language materials often include authentic texts, such as
articles, stories, dialogues, and real-life examples. These materials expose learners to
natural language use, including idiomatic expressions, colloquialisms, and cultural
references. Exposing learners to authentic language helps them develop a more
natural and fluent communication style.
5. Flexibility and Adaptability: Language materials can be adapted to meet the
specific needs and preferences of learners. Educators can modify or supplement
existing materials to cater to different learning styles, proficiency levels, and cultural
backgrounds. This flexibility allows for personalized learning experiences and ensures
that learners can engage with the materials in a way that suits their individual needs.
6. Motivation and Engagement: Well-designed language materials can enhance
learners' motivation and engagement. Interactive activities, multimedia resources,
and gamified elements can make the learning process more enjoyable and
stimulating. When learners are motivated and engaged, they are more likely to invest
time and effort in their language studies, leading to better learning outcomes.
Types of Material Evaluation
1. Content Evaluation: This type of evaluation focuses on assessing the accuracy,
relevance, and completeness of the content in the language materials. It involves
examining whether the content aligns with the learning objectives, covers the
necessary language skills and topics, and provides appropriate and up-to-date
information.
2. Pedagogical Evaluation: Pedagogical evaluation involves assessing the instructional
design and effectiveness of the language materials. It examines the clarity and
coherence of the materials, the sequencing and progression of activities, the
inclusion of appropriate scaffolding and support, and the overall instructional
approach used.
3. Linguistic Evaluation: Linguistic evaluation focuses on evaluating the linguistic
aspects of the language materials. It involves assessing the accuracy of grammar and
vocabulary usage, the clarity of explanations and examples, the appropriateness of
language register and style, and the incorporation of authentic language use.
4. Cultural Evaluation: Cultural evaluation considers the cultural appropriateness and
sensitivity of the language materials. It involves examining whether the materials
reflect diverse cultural perspectives, avoid stereotypes and biases, and promote
intercultural understanding and respect.
5. Practicality Evaluation: Practicality evaluation assesses the usability and feasibility
of the language materials. It involves evaluating factors such as the organization and
layout of the materials, the availability of teacher support materials, the ease of
implementation in different learning environments, and the cost-effectiveness of the
materials.
6. Learner Evaluation: Learner evaluation involves gathering feedback from the
learners who have used the language materials. This can be done through surveys,
interviews, or focus groups. Learner evaluation provides insights into the learners'
experiences, preferences, and perceptions of the materials, helping to identify
strengths and areas for improvement.
7. Longitudinal Evaluation: Longitudinal evaluation focuses on assessing the long-
term impact and effectiveness of the language materials. It involves tracking learners'
progress over an extended period and evaluating whether the materials have
contributed to their language development over time.
Stages of Material Evaluation
1. Pre-evaluation Stage: This stage involves conducting a preliminary review of the
language materials before they are used for evaluation. It includes examining the
materials for basic quality, relevance to the target audience, alignment with learning
objectives, and adherence to language standards.
2. Pilot Testing: In this stage, a small group of learners or educators is selected to test
the language materials. The purpose is to gather feedback on the usability, clarity,
and effectiveness of the materials. Pilot testing helps identify any issues or areas for
improvement before the materials are finalized.
3. Expert Review: Language materials are often subjected to expert review by
experienced educators or subject matter experts. These experts evaluate the
content, pedagogical approach, linguistic accuracy, cultural sensitivity, and overall
quality of the materials. Their feedback helps ensure that the materials meet
educational standards and best practices.
4. Field Testing: Field testing involves implementing the language materials in real
classrooms or learning environments with a larger group of learners. This stage
provides an opportunity to observe how the materials work in practice, gather
feedback from both learners and educators, and assess their effectiveness in
achieving learning outcomes.
5. Revision and Iteration: Based on the feedback and data collected during pilot
testing and field testing, the language materials undergo revisions and iterations. This
stage involves incorporating suggested improvements, addressing identified
weaknesses, and refining the materials to enhance their quality, usability, and
alignment with the needs of learners.
6. Final Evaluation: Once the revisions and iterations are complete, a final evaluation
of the language materials is conducted. This evaluation assesses the overall
effectiveness, relevance, and suitability of the materials for the target audience. It
may involve a comprehensive review by experts, as well as gathering feedback from
learners and educators.
7. Post-implementation Evaluation: After the language materials are implemented in
actual teaching and learning contexts, a post-implementation evaluation may be
conducted. This evaluation assesses the impact and effectiveness of the materials in
achieving learning outcomes, as well as gathering feedback for future improvements.
