Job Discussion Forums

ladygringa · Joined: 17 Jul 2005 Posts: 14

I preparation for my departure for Quito, I'm gathering some authentic materials to use in class for fun. Newspaper and magazine articles, menus, etc.

However, I'm wondering if they will be appropriate for my students' levels.

At what level are most students in private language institutes? I am assuming they have some English instruction in los colegios, so probably not absolute beginners...but I don't know!

And please be specific because "low intermediate," etc. doesn't tell me much.

Thanks! Wink

Justin Trullinger · Posted: Tue Oct 04, 2005 5:51 pm Post subject:

THe highest level I teach is "Advanced," which doesn't tell you much, so I'll put it like this. We've read Bridget Jones's Diary in class, we sometimes go to the movies in English. (No subtitles, that would be cheating.) Although they have some more basic grammar flaws, these people are fluent, and mainly interested in gaining nuances of expression and fluency. (They are a pilot, a local accounts rep for a German company, and several others, all of whom use English as a matter of course in their daily lives.)

The lowest level I teach are true beginners, as this is their first experience of English. But then, they're only four years old.

I guess this is my way of telling you that what you'll find here is a BIG range of levels. Yes, all the "colegios" have English now. But not always imparted in a very effective way, and in any case, most of the students a private institute attracts may have been out of high school for a while.

And yet, some, through needs of work, or just personal inclination, will be have found one way or another to attain a relatively high level.

Be prepared for ANYTHING.

Think about flexibility in any materials you bring. Some things may only suit your more advanced students, but anyone, at any level can use a menu. I use authentic materials from day one. Maybe absolute beginners can't read the op/ed page, but they may like the TV guide. Or the movie listings. (Good practice with days, dates, times...) Think of ways to adapt the materials you have for a lot of different levels, and you can't go wrong.

Regards,
Justin

Ms. Atondo · Posted: Wed Oct 05, 2005 9:51 pm Post subject:

Some of the resources that I brought and that I use the most are English magazines. You can find all reading levels in there and they are usually about things my students can relate to. But, as mentioned be prepared for ANYTHING! I have taught anything from very advanced, near fluent children to adults who new nothing of English.

I also brought DVD's of my favorite programs for 1) my students to hear different accents and 2) my own personal gratification.

Oooh yeah, and english music with the words for a variety of exercises at most levels.

MELEE · Posted: Wed Oct 05, 2005 10:00 pm Post subject:

Nowadays you can get just about anything in English off the internet, so you don�t need to load down too much. (I downloaded a bunch of menus last year).

The two biggest hits I've ever had with authentic materials are 1) photographs of my family and friends. My students are always amazingly interested in seeing my personal photographs. There are loads of activities for any level that you can do with them. They are great converstion starters and help break the ice. and 2) the store ads from a Sunday newspaper--you know the weekly sales at Walmart and the like. I'm amazed at how interested the student were in looking at these (of course I teach in a small town with no "tiendas de autoservicio") There are also lots of activities you can do with them.

Guy Courchesne · Joined: 10 Mar 2003 Posts: 9650 Location: Mexico City

Anyone out there seen or worked with Hot English magazine? Not exactly authentic material as it's designed for students, but I see that it's widely available in Mexico.

http://www.hotenglishmagazine.com/

Ben Round de Bloc · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 1946

Guy Courchesne · Joined: 10 Mar 2003 Posts: 9650 Location: Mexico City

I have tried to use it one-to-one classes, but mostly for shaking up the routine a bit. It has some nice, short articles one could use in a larger class I s'pose.

Aramas · Posted: Thu Oct 06, 2005 4:46 am Post subject:

Authentic? I'm not quite sure of the usage in this context. What does it mean, exactly? What other kind of teaching materials are available? Imitation? Counterfeit? Simulated? Are copies authentic?

Justin Trullinger · Posted: Thu Oct 06, 2005 6:59 pm Post subject:

You're playing the symantics game, aren't you?

Some of us use the term to distinguish between native English materials and materials designed with the second language student in mind.

But then, I really prefer "imaginary" materials...

I need a day off.
Justin