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Title
Use of Newspapers in Teaching English
Presenter
Dr. Sanjay Sanap
Abstract
The present paper intends to discuss the success of authentic material in teaching of English. It is based on the actual research project going on the subject at undergraduate level. Teaching of English has gone through several approaches and methods. All these approaches and methods use traditional texts or teaching materials. The repeated use of ‘stereotype’ material made process of teaching and learning a boring and monotonous task. Teachers often complain about the lack of student motivation and interest in the material used to teach them English. They also decry the dreadful lack of general knowledge of current events shown by the average secondary or university student in a foreign country. Lethargy can be dispelled to a very great extent if the teacher exploits the local newspaper to supplement whatever aspect of the English language he/she is teaching. Teaching material, which is very interesting, related to everyday life and experiences of students and teachers, is the immediate need of time. So in this context the need for authentic materials in language can be easily justified. Learners find authentic material like newspapers more motivating and interesting than traditional textbooks.
One strong reason for using ‘authentic material’ is student’s motivation and interest. Secondly, the authentic material gives the present form of English, unlike old literary language of traditional texts. Thirdly, when students use authentic material like newspapers they don’t feel the burden of learning the language. On the contrary, they feel that as if they are reading newspapers. The use of newspapers in the classroom creates student-centred class. The exercises based on various items of newspaper create the element of excitement among the students and motivate them to learn English more willingly.
References:
Abbott, Janice (1981) Meet the Press, Cambridge University Press, London.
Ammann , R. and Mittlesteadf, S.(1987) ‘Using Turned off Students: Using Newspaper with Senior High Remedial Readers’ Journal Of Reading Vol- 30 No-8.
Ahellal, M. (1990) Using Authentic Materials in the Classroom : Thevretical
Assumption and Practical Considerations ; English Teaching Forum, Vol-28 , No-2.
Baddock, B.J. (1983) Press Ahead:’A Teachers Guide to the Use of Newspapers in English Language Teaching’, Pergamon Press , Oxford
Cook, V.J.(1981) ‘Using Authentic Materials in the Classroom’, Modern Teacher, Vol-9, No.2, pp.3-7.
Fahmy, J.J. and Bilton, L. (1989) ‘Using Authentic Texts: A Study Skill Module’ Guideline: A Periodical For Classroom Language Teachers Vol-11, No-2.
Ito, Harumi (1993) ‘A Simple but Effective Use of Newspaper Articles in Advanced EFL Reading Classes’ Guidelines,Vol-15, No.1 pp.37-46.
Pearse, Roy (1980) ‘Reding Newspapers in English’ Modern English Teacher, Vol-8, No-2.
Salama, Nancy (1974) ‘Use the Newspaper’, English Language Teaching Journal Vol-28, No.4, pp.336-343
Dr. Sanjay Sanap
Lecturer in English (Undergraduate Classes)
Vidya Pratishthan's Arts, Science and Commerce College
Vidyanagari, Baramati Dist-Pune, Maharashtra, India – 413 133
University of Pune
contact asian_efl_journal@yahoo.com
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