Resources include materials designed specifically for language teaching and learning as well as authentic materials in the target language. The choice of appropriate resources is an important decision to keep learners motivated, engaged and progressing. Resources need to be suitable for the learner or group of learners, for the context in which they are learning (in a class, in a self-access centre, online); for their level(s), and for any qualification towards which they are working. A good choice of varied and appropriate resources can greatly enhance motivation for learners and teachers.
Questions to ask when choosing resources:
Content
- Is the resource relevant for your learners, their age, level, interests?
- Does it fit with your teaching approach and aims?
- Is any cultural information free from stereotype and prejudice?
- Is it reliable in terms of linguistic and factual accuracy, and is it suitably up-to-date?
Level
- Is the level appropriate for the intended users?
- Can the tasks accommodate learners with a range of levels?
- Is the language used in the instructions and reference material suitable?
Skills and Activities
- Which skills are exercised?
- Is the material interactive enough to maintain student interest?
- Are there a variety of exercises and tasks?
Methodology
- Is the resource consistent with the methodology you use?
- Does the resource include strategy training and help learners 'learn how to learn'?
User-friendliness
- Is the layout clear and easy to use?
- For online resources and software, are they easy to navigate and self-explanatory, do they give students feedback on their progress?
Technical considerations
- What equipment and technical support is required?
- Is this available in your institution?
- What on-going costs are involved?
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Language learning assessment & certification
Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR)
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