Using authentic materials in ESL Classroom: A tertiary level scenario

Abstract

This research examines the effect of using authentic materials in ESL (English second language) classroom at tertiary level. It attempts to access the suitability of the alternative and untraditional way of teaching that is used in different universities and institutions of Dhaka by teachers. A questionnaire was designed with a combination of 6 questions with likert scale, 7 with multiple choice questions and 7 open-ended questions for collecting data from 20 teachers of 5 universities and institutions of Dhaka city. All the teachers were from ELT and TESOL major and teach general English language composition at different universities. Findings show that all the teachers prefer using authentic materials in ESL classroom. Using authentic materials gives students real life experiences, inside the classroom and teachers can easily motivate and encourage students to share their ideas, opinions and suggestions regarding the topics instantly. It also helps students to improve their creativity and imagination. This study aims to see the present situation, suitability and possibility of this alternative way of teaching implemented at tertiary level. This research will serve other practitioners and learners of ESL course to modify the use of authentic material in classroom.