Knowledge of commercially produced resources and
non-published materials and classroom resources for
teaching English to adults
Teaching English to adults requires a diverse range of materials and classroom resources to meet their unique needs, goals, and learning styles. These resources can be broadly categorized into commercially produced materials (e.g., textbooks, apps, and online platforms) and non-published materials (e.g., teacher-created handouts, authentic materials, and classroom activities). This lesson explores various types of classroom resources, their advantages and limitations, and how they can be effectively used in adult English language teaching.
Commercially produced classroom resources
What are commercially produced resources?
Commercially produced resources are materials created by publishers or companies for language teaching. These include textbooks, workbooks, language learning apps, and online platforms.
Examples of commercially produced classroom resources
- Textbooks:
- Example: “English File” by Oxford University Press or “Face2Face” by Cambridge University Press.
- These textbooks provide structured lessons, grammar explanations, and practice activities for different proficiency levels.
- Real-World Example: An evening English class for working adults in Spain uses English File Intermediate to introduce grammar and vocabulary topics, paired with workbook activities for homework.
- Language learning apps:
- Example: Duolingo, Babbel, or Rosetta Stone.
- These apps offer interactive, self-paced lessons on vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation.
- Real-World Example: A retiree in Japan uses Duolingo daily for 15 minutes to improve basic English vocabulary for traveling abroad.
- Online platforms:
- Example: BBC Learning English, FluentU, or Quizlet.
- These platforms provide videos, quizzes, and games to enhance listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills.
- Real-World Example: A volunteer tutor in Canada assigns BBC Learning English videos on workplace communication to newly arrived immigrants for listening practice.
Advantages
- Structured content: Commercially produced resources often follow a clear curriculum, making them easy to use.
- Professional quality: These materials are typically designed by experts and include high-quality visuals and audio.
- Variety: They offer a wide range of activities and formats to suit different learning styles.
Limitations
- Cost: Some resources can be expensive, especially for learners or teachers with limited budgets.
- Lack of personalization: These materials may not fully address the specific needs or cultural contexts of all learners.
- Over-reliance: Using only commercially produced resources can limit creativity and flexibility in teaching.
Activity:
Choose a commercially produced resource (e.g., a textbook or app). Evaluate its strengths and limitations for a specific group of adult learners (e.g., professionals, immigrants). Write down one way you could adapt the resource to better meet their needs.
Non-published materials
What are non-published materials?
Non-published materials are resources created by teachers or sourced from authentic, real-world contexts. These include handouts, flashcards, role-play scenarios, and authentic materials like news articles, podcasts, or menus.
Examples of non-published materials
- Teacher-created handouts:
- Example: A worksheet on ordering food at a restaurant, with vocabulary, sample dialogues, and practice activities.
- Real-World Example: A teacher in Sri Lanka prepares a worksheet for hotel workers to help them take room service orders in English, using vocabulary and expressions from a real hotel menu.
- Authentic materials:
- Example: A news article from The Guardian or a podcast episode from TED Talks.
- These materials expose learners to real-world language use and cultural contexts.
- Real-World Example: An English teacher in Egypt uses a National Geographic video about climate change as a listening activity in an adult ESL class, followed by a group discussion.
- Classroom activities:
- Example: Role-plays, group discussions, or project-based tasks.
- These activities encourage interaction and practical application of language skills.
- Real-World Example: In a community center class in Norway, adult learners simulate job interviews using questions collected from real job ads and practice answering them with peer feedback.
Advantages
- Customization: Teachers can tailor materials to the specific needs, interests, and proficiency levels of their learners.
- Cultural relevance: Authentic materials reflect real-world contexts, making learning more meaningful.
- Cost-effective: Many non-published materials are free or low-cost.
Limitations
- Time-Consuming: Creating or sourcing materials can be labor-intensive for teachers.
- Quality Control: Non-published materials may lack the polish and accuracy of commercially produced resources.
- Limited Scope: Teachers may not have access to a wide variety of authentic materials.
Activity:
Create a simple handout or activity for a specific group of adult learners (e.g., a role-play scenario for professionals or a vocabulary worksheet for immigrants). Explain how your material addresses their needs and goals.
Combining commercially produced and non-published classroom resources materials
Why combine classroom resources?
Using a mix of commercially produced and non-published materials allows teachers to leverage the strengths of both types while addressing their limitations. This approach ensures that lessons are structured, engaging, and tailored to learners’ needs.
Example of combined use of classroom resources
- Commercially Produced Resource: A textbook unit on workplace communication.
- Non-Published Material: A teacher-created role-play activity where learners practice workplace scenarios (e.g., giving feedback or resolving conflicts).
- Real-World Example: A teacher in Germany uses Business Result (Oxford) to introduce formal phrases for meetings, then follows up with a mock meeting where learners discuss a company problem in groups.
Benefits
- Balanced Approach: Combines the structure of commercial resources with the flexibility of non-published materials.
- Enhanced Engagement: Keeps lessons dynamic and relevant by incorporating real-world contexts.
- Personalization: Addresses the specific needs and goals of learners.
Activity:
Design a lesson plan that combines a commercially produced resource (e.g., a textbook chapter or app) with a non-published material (e.g., a handout or role-play activity). Explain how the combination enhances the learning experience.
Real-world examples of classroom
resources in use
Example 1: Teaching Business English
- Commercially Produced Resource: “Market Leader” textbook for business English.
- Non-Published Material: A teacher-created case study based on a local company.
- Activity: Learners read the case study, discuss it in groups, and present their solutions using vocabulary and phrases from the textbook.
- Extension Example: In Thailand, a teacher asks learners to prepare a mock email summarizing their solution, using email templates from the textbook.
Example 2: Teaching everyday communication
- Commercially Produced Resource: Duolingo app for vocabulary practice.
- Non-Published Material: A role-play activity where learners practice ordering food at a local restaurant.
- Activity: Learners use vocabulary from the app in the role-play, then write a dialogue based on their experience.
- Extension Example: A teacher in Mexico records the role-play and uses the video for a pronunciation feedback session in the next lesson.
Final thoughts
A working knowledge of both commercially produced and non-published materials is essential for teaching English to adults. Commercially produced resources provide structure and professional quality, while non-published materials offer flexibility and cultural relevance. By combining these resources, teachers can create engaging, effective, and personalized lessons that meet the diverse needs of adult learners.
To your CELTA journal
Create a resource bank for your teaching practice. Include at least three commercially produced resources and three non-published materials. For each resource, write a brief description and explain how you would use it in a lesson. Share your resource bank with a colleague or peer for feedback.