Chapter 8 Reaction Paper

The role and design of instructional materials

                “Teaching materials are a key component in most language programs. Whether the teacher uses textbook, institutionally prepared materials or his or her own materials, instructional materials generally serve as the basis for much of the language input learners receive and the language practice that occurs in the classroom (251).” Materials are limited here on Guam and most of the time; it is up to the teachers to provide his or her materials for their lessons. Many of the textbooks available to the students are used and it is difficult for schools to attain new books. The books published by the major companies provide a foundation for the list of skills education departments require or expect of students to learn.

                There are a variety of materials that teachers use, whether they are authentic or created materials. Each serves as advantages over the other. Authentic materials “refers to the use of teaching of texts, photographs, video selections, and other teaching resources that were not specially prepared for pedagogical purposes (252).” And created materials “refers to textbooks and other specially developed instructional materials (252).” The book claims that arguments have been made supporting the use of authentic materials over created materials because they “contain authentic language and reflect real-world uses of language compared with the contrived content of much created material (252).” Majority of the teachers on Guam use authentic materials referring to the textbooks and guided practice books, and study guides given as part of the package orders. Some teachers take the initiative and create their materials based on a variety of supplemental resources. Because Guam Department of Education plans to incorporate common core standards, creating of materials should increase as teachers are required to only focus on teaching certain lessons rather than following a whole textbook.

                Textbooks are a great source of information and assistance for teachers especially for the unqualified ones because they can follow the given format which will help them until they become more comfortable teaching to be able to create their own materials. It is understood that no commercial textbook is perfect and that there are different motives behind the development of textbooks. Teachers who create their own materials will have a tough time collecting and producing their materials as it is costly and time consuming. There are many advantages and disadvantages to creating one’s material, but I think it depends on the teacher and what he or she thinks is best for his or her students.

                With the resources used whether they are authentic or created, teachers need to ensure they include other materials to incorporate hands on activities for them to use in the classroom. Activities help students have an active engagement in the classroom. Having activities will help students develop questions for curiosity or for clarification which again will help students retain and understand the information taught.