In this class, a framework for selecting the most suitable language teaching materials for a course.

1. Language Course Design:
Language Teaching Materials

2. Getting started
The first image that comes to mind when talking about
language teaching materials is usually…

3. Getting started
What other kinds materials can you think of?

4. In this class
• Definition of materials.
• Classification of materials.
• A framework for materials in language
courses.
• Principles for language teaching materials.
• Adoption, development and adaptation.

5. LT Materials:
Definition and Classification

6. Definitions
…anything which is used by teachers or learners
to facilitate the learning of a language.
Tomlinson , 1998, p.2

7. Definitions
…any systematic description of the techniques
and exercises to be used in classroom teaching.
Brown, 1995, p.139

8. Classification
• By purpose
• By format
• By creator

9. Classification
• By purpose
Instructional
• By format
Authentic
• By creator

10. Classification
• By purpose
Paper-based
• By format Audiovisual
• By creator Electronic

11. Classification
• By purpose
Commercial
• By format In-house
• By creator

12. Excercise
How would you classify the following
examples of materials according to the
categories just seen?

13. Example 1
Posters

14. Example 2
Movies

15. Example 3
CDs

16. Example 4
Websites

17. Example 5
Software

18. Example 5
Apps

19. Framework for Materials
in Course Design

20. Framework
Set objectives
Derive content from objectives
Establish a sequence for content
Define techniques and exercises for each
content.
Decide on your materials for accomplishing your
objectives and developing your content.

21. Framework
Adopting
Decision on Materials.
Developing
Adapting.

22. Framework
Adopting
Decision on Materials.
Developing
Adapting.

23. Framework
Adopting Selecting existing materials
Developing Creating your own materials
Selecting and making
Adapting.
adjustments to materials.

24. Principles for materials
Regardless of your decision (adopting,
adapting or developing), instructional
materials must meet some basic principles

25. Principles for materials
Good language teaching materials…
Richards, 1990, p. 15
…are based on sound theoretical learning
principles;
…arouse and mantain learners’ interest and
attention;
…meet the learners’ needs and background;
…provide examples of language use;
…provide meaningful activities;
…provide opportunities for authentic
language use.

26. Principles for materials
Good language teaching materials should…
…achieve impact;
Tomlinson, 1998, p.p. 7-20
…help learners develop confidence;
…provide relevant and useful content;
…expose learners to authentic use of
language;
…provide opportunities for authentic
language use.
…take into account individual differences;
…encourage learners’ involvement.

27. Principles for materials
Effective language teaching materials…
…present functional language in a context;
Crawford, 2002, p.p. 84-87
… present realistic and authentic language
models;
…promote purposeful use of language;
…include an audio-visual component;
…foster learner autonomy;
…cater for individual and contextual
differences.
…engage learners affectively and cognitively.

28. Adopting, developing &
adapting

29. Adopting
Mat.
Background
Fit to
Teachability
curriculum
Logistical Physical
characteristics characteristics

30. Developing
Overall
Curriculum
Evaluating Needs
Goals and
Teaching
objectives
Creating Tests

31. Adapting
Finding and
evaluating
Reorganizing Analyzing
Fill in the
Classifying
gaps

32. References
• Brown, J.D. (1995). The elements of language curriculum: A systematic
approach to program development. Heinle & Heinle Publishers.
• Crawford, J. (2002). The role of materials in the language classroom:
Finding the balance. En Richards, J.C. and W.A. Renandya (Eds.)
Methodology in language teaching. An anthology of current practice
(pp. 80-91). Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
• Tomlinson, B. (1998). Materials Development in Language Teaching.
Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
• Richards, J.C. (1990). The language teaching matrix. Cambridge:
Cambrisge University Press.