Authentic Materials in Language Teaching

Start with realia

Begin with Authentic Material, a mind map that introduces realia and considers how it can be used in activities. It mentions grammar points, drills and free speaking, as well as motivation and cultural information. Use these branches to make a short outline of the ideas you want to explore.

Next, try Comprehension quiz. It includes a question about defining realia as a teaching strategy and refers to learning through the senses. After taking it, return to the mind map and compare the quiz question with your outline.

Explore authentic texts

Authentic Texts for Language Learning sets out pedagogical arguments for using authentic texts. Another mind map considers the relationship between culture and language as part of its discussion of authentic texts. Read these alongside your notes on realia to see how the resources approach different kinds of material.

The note created from a mind map covers types of authentic materials, their importance and how to adapt them. It offers another way to follow the ideas after exploring the maps.

Consider materials in use

A mind map on materials examines the uses and limitations of authentic and adapted materials, along with students’ participation in creating learning materials. Resources and Material also looks at the multiple uses of resources. These can help you organize questions about selecting and using materials.

For a further perspective, the mind map on materials design for face-to-face environments discusses authenticity in language learning. Compare the points it raises with the ideas you have noted from the other resources.

Place the topic in the unit

Authentic Materials in Language Teaching is a section of Teaching Materials and Resources, within Education and pedagogy (incl. teaching methods, curriculum, educational psychology). The resources on this page let you explore that section through maps, a note and a quiz. Choose a resource and build an outline in your own words.