Authentic+Resources+in+the+Languages+Classroom

== = = =Authentic Resources= =in the= =Languages Classroom=

//A 3. Speed Questions about Authentic Resources//

In pairs, go to Online Stop Watch and set the 'Count Down' timer for 2 minutes. Look over the list of questions and predict how many of these questions you will be able to answer in that space of time. When you are ready, tell your partner how many you think you can answer, and then they will start the timer for you and ask you the questions. Each question only needs a once sentence answer as the aim is to get through as many of them as you can. You can say 'pass' if you need to. Your partner will keep track of how many questions you have answered. Once you have finished, swap roles so you ask your partner the questions and see how many they can get.

1. What are authentic resources? 2. What authentic resources do you use in your classroom? 3. How useful are authentic resources in the languages classroom? What do they offer? 4. What insights about language, culture, and communication in context do authentic resources provide? 5. How do authentic resources enhance learning opportunities in the classroom? 6. What classroom interactions, learning activities, and communication tasks might arise from the use of authentic resources? 7. What teacher mediation is necessary to make authentic texts work effectively in classroom interactions? 8. What additional resources might be necessary to improve learning opportunities from authentic resources? What scaffolds/supports might be necessary? 9. What are two powerful arguments for the inclusion of authentic materials in classroom practice? 10. What sources of interaction with other users of the language are available to your learners? 11. What are the implications of these for your teaching? 12. What are the potential benefits and challenges of engaging native speakers with your classes? 13. What particular linguistic and cultural resource do YOU bring to your teaching context? 14. How does your linguistic and cultural background (in the target language and in English) influence the learning opportunities of your learners? 15. What are the implications of diversity in learners linguistic and cultural background in the classroom? 16. How does diversity in linguistic and cultural backgrounds of learners enhance their learning of language and culture?

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