The characteristics of authentic materials!

Briefly explain the characteristics of authentic materials!

Authentic materials are materials that are designed to match real-world tasks and situations, rather than being decontextualized or classroom-based tasks. According to Brown et al. (1989), authentic activities have ten design characteristics, including real-world relevance, ill-defined tasks, complex tasks, multiple perspectives, collaboration, reflection, integrated assessment, multiple resources, scaffolding, and learner control. These characteristics require learners to invest significant time and intellectual resources in investigating complex tasks over a sustained period of time, using a variety of resources and perspectives, and collaborating with others to define and complete the tasks. Authentic materials are designed to provide learners with opportunities to engage in meaningful, challenging, and relevant tasks that require them to apply their knowledge and skills in real-world contexts. 

1. Authentic materials are genuine and realistic

According to Field (2008), authentic materials are not specifically created for language learners but are originally intended for native speakers. This characteristic ensures that these materials reflect the natural use of language in real-life situations, providing learners with exposure to authentic language usage, including colloquialisms, idiomatic expressions, and cultural references.

Littlewood (1999) highlights that authentic materials reflect the current state of the language, encompassing the latest trends, events, and issues in the target culture. As a result, learners can develop a more profound understanding of the language and culture in context, leading to enhanced language competency.

2. Authentic materials are challenging but accessible

Littlewood (1999) points out that authentic materials can present challenges for language learners due to their natural complexity. However, they should be selected and adapted in a way that aligns with the learners' proficiency level, ensuring that the materials remain within the learners' grasp for effective comprehension and learning.

Rutherford (1987) emphasizes that while authentic materials may be challenging, they should not be overwhelmingly difficult, as learners may become discouraged. Striking the right balance of challenge and accessibility is essential to keep learners engaged and motivated.

3. Authentic materials are motivating and engaging

Field (2008) suggests that authentic materials are inherently interesting and captivating for language learners because they offer a glimpse into the culture, society, and communication of native speakers. This intrinsic motivation stems from learners' curiosity to explore real-life language usage and broaden their understanding of the target language.

According to Littlewood (1999), authentic materials have the potential to evoke emotional responses from learners, as they connect learners to authentic stories, perspectives, and issues. This emotional engagement further enhances motivation and encourages deeper involvement in the language learning process.

4. Authentic materials can be used for a variety of activities and tasks

Field (2008) highlights the versatility of authentic materials, making them suitable for various language learning activities, such as reading, listening, writing, and speaking exercises. These materials offer opportunities for learners to practice different language skills in authentic contexts, preparing them for real-life communication.

Rutherford (1987) points out that authentic materials are conducive to task-based language learning, where learners engage in meaningful activities that require the use of language in context. Tasks such as role-plays, debates, and discussions based on authentic materials promote active language use and practical application of learned language skills.

Overall, these characteristics, as discussed by Field (2008), Littlewood (1999), and Rutherford (1987), underscore the significance of authentic materials in language learning. By incorporating authentic materials into language teaching, educators can create a dynamic and engaging learning environment that prepares learners for real-world language encounters and enhances their overall language proficiency.

Here are some additional insights into the characteristics and benefits of authentic materials:

1. Cultural and Contextual Understanding: Authentic materials provide learners with insights into the culture, customs, and social context of the target language. They expose learners to the nuances and subtleties of the language, which is essential for achieving true fluency and cultural competence.
2. Language Variation: Since authentic materials are created for native speakers, they often include various forms of the language, such as colloquialisms, slang, and regional dialects. Exposing learners to these different forms enhances their language comprehension and adaptability in real-life situations.
3. Real-life Language Functions: Authentic materials offer opportunities for learners to encounter language used for genuine purposes, such as asking for directions, making phone calls, or ordering food in a restaurant. This exposure to authentic language functions helps learners communicate effectively in real-life situations.
4. Current and Relevant Content: Authentic materials are usually up-to-date, reflecting the current trends, events, and issues in the target language's culture. This keeps learners engaged and connected to the language's contemporary usage.
5. Cross-cultural Communication: Through exposure to authentic materials, learners can develop cross-cultural communication skills and gain a deeper understanding of different perspectives, fostering open-mindedness and intercultural competence.
6. Task-based Learning: Authentic materials are ideal for task-based language learning, where learners engage in meaningful activities using the language in context. Tasks like role-plays, debates, or discussions based on authentic materials provide learners with valuable opportunities to practice and reinforce language skills.
7. Motivation and Autonomy: When learners interact with materials they find interesting and relevant, their motivation to learn the language increases. Authentic materials can empower learners to take ownership of their learning journey and explore the language beyond the classroom.
8. Real-world Transferability: By working with authentic materials, learners gain skills that can be directly transferred to their real-life language encounters. This practical applicability reinforces the value of learning and boosts learners' confidence.

It's essential for language teachers to carefully select and adapt authentic materials to suit learners' proficiency levels and learning objectives. Additionally, incorporating scaffolding techniques and follow-up activities can further enhance the effectiveness of using authentic materials in the language classroom.

The conclusion about the characteristics of authentic activities is that they are designed to match real-world tasks of professionals, are ill-defined and open to multiple interpretations, comprise complex tasks to be investigated over a sustained period of time, and provide the opportunity for students to examine the task from different perspectives using a variety of resources. These characteristics are based on a substantial body of educational theory and research and can assist teachers in designing more authentic activities for online learning environments. The affordances of Internet technologies can facilitate the operationalization of authentic activities in online courses of study.

References:

Brown, J.S., Collins, A., & Duguid, P. (1989). Situated cognition and the culture of learning. Educational Researcher, 18(1), 32-42.

Field, J. (2008). Materials and methods in ELT: A teacher's guide. Oxford University Press.

Littlewood, W. (1999). Authentic materials in language learning. Cambridge University Press.

Rutherford, W. (1987). Second language learning and teaching. Longman.