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gaijinalways
Joined: 29 Nov 2005
Posts: 2279
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 Posted: Wed Jan 26, 2011 1:51 pm Post subject: |
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| The tests my school gives students very closely mirrors the text in terms of vocab, writing etc and so supplementary material can't veer too far off tangent as there is limited time as it is. |
I had a class like this in the past where most of the syllabus and all of the exams were fixed. The majority of my supplemental material recycles and is related to the text as the students need that linking (and review in my opinion) to really acquire the material. |
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sharter
Joined: 25 Jun 2008
Posts: 878
Location: All over the place
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| Posted: Wed Jan 26, 2011 3:29 pm Post subject: Headway |
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Headway is fine for Spanish 17- year -olds. Not much cop in the Middle East. However, credit where due; it was good in its day...ie when there wasn't much else. Can't knock the syllabus, the guided discovery technique or the layout....it's just the content.
I like Cutting Edge and Market Leader....I also like the Masterclass series for the Cambridge Suite. |
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steviok85
Joined: 31 Aug 2006
Posts: 87
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| Posted: Wed Jan 26, 2011 7:12 pm Post subject: |
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I use the advanced and upper-intermediate New English File books with higher level students and many of the articles do make for lively debates and conversation classes. Life is so much easier (for teacher and student) if there is something interesting to read rather than the mundane drivel which appears in Headway. I used to use (rather had to use) the series with rowdy, misguided and lazy students in Serbia for a whole year and I am still amazed to this day how I stuck it out. It wasn't entirely the book's fault mind.
I also used Total English on a pre-sessional uni course and it is great for learning vocabulary. |
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gaijinalways
Joined: 29 Nov 2005
Posts: 2279
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| Posted: Thu Jan 27, 2011 4:04 am Post subject: |
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| Life is so much easier (for teacher and student) if there is something interesting to read rather than the mundane drivel which appears in Headway. |
I am always surprised by some off tangent lines that discussions take regardless of the original topic. As a teacher, you often have to balance just letting discussions go where they might (whether it is related with the original intent of the author or the teacher) especially if students are using the target language and enjoying themselves. Lively discussion in and out of the classroom is what life is all about, yes? |
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Insubordination
Joined: 07 Nov 2007
Posts: 394
Location: Sydney
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| Posted: Thu Jan 27, 2011 11:43 am Post subject: |
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I'm glad Headway is slowly being retired. The unnatural texts and cultural content has always been hard to relate to. It seemed like every time I had to teach a lesson, it was that bloody nun or that stingy Widow of Wall St, Seamus McSporran or the clown doctors or that little kid who helped out the burglar (have a soft spot for that one). There are a few good lessons in the Headway series, but they are in the minority. I was surprised when 'New Headway' came out because it wasn't much of an improvement.
However, Headway is not my least favourite course book. I've been forced to use 'Natural English' and 'Reward' *shudder*. Granted, the Reward Resource Packs are good, but the student's book is an unteachable mess.
As far as Cutting Edge is concerned, some levels are better than others. Maybe they have different authors. I agree that New English File is not bad. It seems to be easier to extend the content too. |
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