Presenting new language

Most schools provide their teachers with a syllabus and materials for teaching that syllabus. This is often in the form of a course book. Course books provide a variety of material in a structured way and can be a great benefit for the teacher and the student. Howe ver, having a course book does not reduce the need for planning.

Here are some advantages and disadvantages of using a course book:

Course books are, without doubt, a very useful aid for teachers. However it is often more productive to try and adapt and supplement the material in the book to suit your particular class. If you do use a course book, try not to follow the same routine each lesson – vary the order of the activities and remember that it isn’t always necessary to do every e xercise to achieve your aim.

A course book can certainly help you to plan, but it cannot replace your own ideas for what you want to achieve with your class.

Advantages

• A course book gives the students a sense of security. As the class moves through it, the students can see the progress they are making and what they have achieved. • Course books are good resources for teachers, providing material and ideas which saves time when planning . • A good course book can give a structure for a series of lessons, providing continuity and consistency for the class. There is usually a logical progression of language items including built-in r evision as well as a good balance of skills work, with listening, reading and writing practice as well as activities for speaking. • Most course books are written by experienced teachers of English. That knowledge and experience is invaluable, particularly for inexperienced teachers.

Disadvantages

• The course book may not be suitable for your particular class – perhaps it is not appropriate for your age group, nationality or culture. For example, the topics may be too adult or childish. • Many course books are very predictable. They follow the same pattern unit after unit. This can become boring for both the students and the teacher if the book is followed too strictly. • Course books can encourage teachers to be less creative and imaginati ve – preferring to use ideas in the book rather than their own.

What are the principles of planning?

Aims

One of the main principles of planning is esta blishing a clear aim for your lesson. It is important that aims are realistic. If the subject is too difficult for the students, then they can become frustrated and lose motivation. However, if the subject is too easy, the students may become bored. Bored and frustrated students can often cause discipline problems. So it is important when planning to think about your particular class. You may find it useful to bear these points in mind:

• What do the students know already? If you are planning to introduce completely new language items allow more time than if you are revising or extending a topic the class are already familiar with. • What do the students need to know? If the students are studying for an exam, for example, then you may need to focus on different skills and language than for a General English class. Do your aims suit that need? • What did you do with the students in their previous class?