Unit 1: Defining Materials and Materials Development

Lesson Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students should be able to:

• Define what materials and materials development are.
• Cite examples of learning materials for the classroom.
• Discuss materials and their development in the context of language classes.

What Are Materials?

• Analogy: Materials are like tools for carpenters to build structures.
• Definition (Tomlinson, 2001): Materials can be anything used to facilitate language learning.
• Role in Language Teaching:
  • Central to the teaching process.
  • Must cater to diverse student needs (intelligence, learning styles).

Importance of Materials

• Effective language learning greatly benefits from the use of quality materials.
• Teachers must be creative and resourceful in selecting appropriate materials.
• Good materials enhance engagement and effectiveness of lessons.

Definitions by Various Authors

1. Garten and Graves (2014): Materials play a central role in language teaching.
2. Diamante, Fossey, and Inayati (2018): Materials are the heart of the teaching and learning process, chosen selectively and used effectively.
3. Tomlinson (2001): Materials can take many forms (linguistic, auditory, visual, kinesthetic) and can be delivered through various mediums (print, CDs, internet).

Types of Materials

• Materials can be:
  • Linguistic
  • Auditory
  • Visual
  • Kinesthetic
• Delivery methods include:
  • Print
  • Audio/Video (CDs, DVDs)
  • Digital (internet resources)

Adapting and Creating Materials

• Teachers should adapt existing materials and create their own based on specific lessons and student needs.
• Lesson plans and syllabi are also considered materials.

What is Materials Development?

• It is both a field of study and an undertaking:
  • Field of Study: Involves principles, procedures of implementation, design, and evaluation of language materials.
  • Undertaking: Involves production, evaluation, and implementation of materials.

Key Points on Materials Development

• Field of Study:
  • Focus on principles (e.g., second language acquisition) and procedures for effective material design.
• Undertaking:
  • Process includes production, evaluation, and implementation of created materials.

Conclusion

• Effective materials development is essential for successful language teaching.
• Teachers must be knowledgeable, resourceful, and adaptive in their approach to materials.