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This unit discussed course materials: authentic, creative, and the advantages and disadvantages of using course books. It was noted that some teachers are very for the use of course books and some are not as enthusiastic about them, therefore making course books an \"emotive issue\" for language instructors and teachers. Authentic and creative materials have different advantages and drawbacks, which a good teacher would be well aware. For example, authentic materials (i.e. songs, poems, magazines, videos, menus etc) allow the benefits of promoting confidence in students to tackle the language, are more motivating/interesting (typically), and can be geared towards the unique interests of your students. Created materials, on the other hand, are generally constructed by the teacher and include a variety of items such as crosswords, word searches, role-play cards and flashcards, gap fill activities, and picture stories. Many teachers like created materials as a means of beneficial supplementation of course book activities, allowing students a chance to engage in topics or material that may be to more of their interest or needs. Course books are no longer just a book that a student follows along in and completes exercises. Course books include a variety of material items such as the teacher guide, the course book itself, the workbook, CDs or video files, reading books, learner dictionaries, vocabulary flash cards, among several other items and activities. Some advantages of courses books were listed within this unit (i.e. less time consuming for the teacher, security for both teacher and students, balance of grammar, vocabulary, and skills work, tested material, appealing to eye, continuous practice of language items, and serves as a good reference/tool for the inexperienced teacher). Disadvantages of course books were also mentioned, some of which include the following: course books do not always fit the specific needs of a class, predictability can decrease engagement or motivation to come to a lesson/listen attentively and participate, teachers can potentially grow lazy, outdated/unattractive books/materials, and dictation of what is taught). Tips were given on how a teacher can make best use of course books, most of which revolve around the teacher carefully selecting which books to use and how material can be supplemented to better suit the students. It was also advised that the teacher should not base all lessons by course book. Some ways of changing-up the material within a course book are as follows: omission, replacement, supplementation, and adaptation. I believe as a teacher continues on in his or her profession, the comfortability level to be creative and distance from the course book (i.e. use it as a planning guide or reference) will grow stronger and more natural. Therefore, given that experience builds confidence in a teacher's lesson planning and teaching style, I believe course books are still very valuable, especially to the inexperienced teacher.
