Unit 24

Selection and use of coursebook materials

Having the knowledge in a field is not the only important thing when teaching a class. When presenting a new topic, a teacher must consider students' needs, the main reason why they are studying a course. Other important aspects are the student's' skills, which portray the way they learn in a better way. For that reason, teachers should combine their knowledge with the appropriate coursebook materials and methodology. 

Firstly, it is important to define that coursebooks include a range of materials that help during a class. For instance, it incorporates a teacher's book which is an essential tool for teachers to check the tapescript, audio script or transcript of the tasks that students have to complete in their coursebook. Often there is also a workbook or activity book which includes extra activities for the students to reinforce their knowledge.

Considering the advantages of coursebooks as supplementary materials, for sure I will use them as a future teacher. These types of books are essential in the class for the activities they include. I will have tasks which may help students to develop their four language skills.

All in all, the selection of coursebook materials is the correct path for teachers to succeed in the class. Having supplementary materials as a tool is necessary to vary throughout the stages in the class.

For further information, you can check the following sources:

Sheldon, L. (1988). Evaluating ELT textbooks and materials. ELT Journal,42(4), 237-246. doi:10.1093/elt/42.4.237

Journals.cambridge.org,. (2016). Materials development for language learning and teaching. Retrieved 16 January 2016, from http://journals.cambridge.org/action/displayAbstract?fromPage=online&aid=8498802&fileId=S0261444811000528