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Unit 4 Overview In this unit, first I learned about authentic and non-authentic materials. Authentic materials are real texts designed not for language students, but for the speakers of the language in question. Authentic materials can include: ? Listening: TV shows, radio, commercials, news broadcasts, documentaries, movies, phone messages, etc. ? Visual: photographs, art works, signs with symbols, postcards, picture books, etc. ? Printed: restaurant menus, newspaper articles, bulletin board advertisements, company websites, coupons, sales catalogues, travel brochures, maps, telephone books, signs, blogs, movie posters, food labels, etc. The benefits of teaching English with authentic materials are: 1. Real English. Students will encounter words and constructions that they?d probably never see in formal ESL materials. 2. Learn different culture. Authentic materials will no-doubt expose students to culture so they can actually take the context into consideration instead of just looking at how language is used 3. They are less predictable and less boring. Non-authentic materials are one that has been written especially for language students. The benefits are: 1. Graded vocabulary. We use specific vocabulary designed for certain level that meet classroom needs. 2. Easy steps. Learners are not discouraged by excessive difficulties. Next, we find helpful information about lesson planning. As a teacher, we have a very important role. We are responsible for activating learning. Children will learn if they understand what they are doing. They must understand the message in order to develop a new language. Consequently, when we are planning our classes, we must use materials and games that are appropriate for the children?s reality. For this we need lesson planning. But in order to keep kids engaged and help to have fun we cannot stick only with the lesson plan. We have to check the class situation, the atmosphere. Also, for a good learning process we need good materials. Nowadays, we have a very large choice of coursebooks, student books, cd , etc. But again we cannot focus only on them. It?s necessary to have extra strategies, activities, games to use in case if the lesson goes not so well. Here the instructor should be able to omit, replace, supplement and adapt the materials. Another subject presented is the classroom management. We're often looking for super techniques for managing challenging classroom behavior, but there is no one ideal technique. All the tools that teachers are using are just based on particular school and teacher?s needs. Teacher?s physical presence is very important. Physical presence includes the teacher?s overall appearance or presentation, gestures, movements, proximity, contact with students, and eye contact. Good eye contact is necessary if a teacher wants the involvement of all the students. Gestures or body language are also a great help to teachers, especially those who are teaching young learners classes. Gestures can also add visual interest. Moreover, body language can be used to increase the pace or speed of a lesson and help in managing the class. The most powerful tool a teacher can have is his/her voice. The voice can sometimes become the deciding factor in the effectiveness of a teacher in managing a class. The teacher should know when to speak loudly in class and when to enjoy some quiet time too.
