Student Practice - TEACHING MATERIALS

 TEACHING MATERIALS

observation dates: 17/02/2022, 18/02/2022

Teaching materials are significant in class as they influence the process of teaching and learning. If they are too easy and too difficult, Ss will be bored and depressed during the course of learning. Also, there are numerous types of materials, such as coursebooks and other materials designed by T. 

In the UOI class, T checked Ss' homework by using the worksheet about past simple tense which had been used on the previous day in 5 minutes. And a short revision was made by using worksheets as well. It was made by T and enabled Ss to review what they have learnt recently. I liked it very much in that it contains various tasks, and Ss can even relate some sentences to their teachers. For example, Liu comes from China. Sofia comes from Greece. Liu and Sofia refer to their teachers, so Ss can quickly relate to them. Also, in task 4 Ss were asked to listen to T carefully. It required them to be focused henced their listening skill could be improved. However, it took a bit longer to finish the worksheet, so T did not have time to ask Ss to do a crossword worksheet which is about the UIO (migration). In my opinion, it does not mean T did not finish the goal; nonetheless, T always has some backup materials in case of Ss finish the first one earlier. If not, it can be used as their homework or saved for later use.

In the Native English class, materials are from Family and Friends 4 (class book), published by Oxford. I was engaged in it. Ss watched a video about breakfast around the world and did a matching exercise to test their memory and vocabulary. Then, they read four paragraphs about breakfast in four different countries. It did not only enable Ss to broaden their vocabulary but also from my perspective, their cultural awareness may be raised. During post-reading Ss were given worksheets based on reading. 

All of those sections in these two classes were deeply connected with one another. They were well-organised. The materials were designed and used synchronically in accordance with the knowledge Ss have been imparted. In other words, scaffolding was the principle. Ss liked the materials as well, though they might be challenging for a few Ss since Ss were learning at a different pace. If I had to change something about the materials, I would add something about Polish breakfast to make Polish students be aware of their own culture. And I could also add something for Ss from other countries, so it could be more personalized for other students, and it would be more attractive if everyone can relate to their breakfast culture. 

To sum up, materials should be wisely chosen. They can be used flexibly as well. Ss can decide where they would like to start as long as they finish the task. Also, Ss can choose to do the tasks individually or in groups. In addition, I am in favour of group work to a great extent after I have seen it has been carried out in my own studies, and Ss in the class sometimes requested to work in pairs, which turned out to be amazing. Lastly, if the materials are suitable, Ss are prone to enjoy learning and study actively.