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This unit explains the use of course books and other material that can be used in the classroom for teaching purposes. The teacher can use wipe board, visual aids (real objects, pictures, models...), worksheets and work cards, dictionaries, and as mentioned before course books. Materials used in the classroom can be authentic (not designed for ESL students) or created (designed by the teacher). Authentic materials can be magazines, newspapers, menus, songs, and others that can be adapted for teaching purposes. They are not graded for students? level so the teacher should be careful when choosing the material, but because it is real it can be more interesting and motivating for students. Created material, on the other hand, is designed by teacher, and can be graded and created for the students level. Created materials can be flashcards, word search, crosswords... Course books are usually combined in a series of three books; students book (information for teaching point, used in the classroom), workbook (used in study phase) and teachers? book (used in activate phase, offers different activities and ideas). Course books are easier and less time consuming to use (the teacher does not need to create them from scratch), syllabus is graded to the students? level, provides balanced mix (of vocabulary, grammar, and skills), offers continuity and progression, and can offer good teaching ideas for new teachers. But it can become predictable and boring, it dictates what should be taught and does not fit the specific needs or interes of students, and the teacher can not really choose what book to use. In order to have the best use of course book the teacher should try and create a balanced lesson, not use the book for the whole lesson, try and match the book to students needs and try new ideas and vary activities. The teacher can also omit (leave out some part of lessons), replace unsuitable material, supplement (add extra material) or adapt (use in her/his own way) materials from course book in order to make it more suitable for the students. In this lesson I learned about different teaching materials and their use in the classroom. There are many different materials, it can be made or found on internet, real life or in course books. Which material are used are up to the teacher, his/hers preferences, students? interest and level of the class. The teacher should not just follow the book he/she has and try to make the lessons interesting and fun with use of pictures, videos, drawings, magazines and many others.
