Improving the methodology for developing written competence in English based on authentic materials in the classroom

Аннотация

Globalization effects on every corner of social life and does foreign languages, especially English, which is very important in human practical and intellectual activities. This thesis attempts to illustrate the impact of authentic materials on English language learning in schools. Key words: written competence, authentic materials, writing skills, worldwide view, innovative actions Schoolchildren need to continually participate in a real English community to meet the needs of sustained English language learning, where they will be needed for meaningful, authentic communication and practice. Videotapes, audiotapes, television, interactive computer software, journals and other publications are becoming increasingly common methods in English language lessons in our educational institutions. Unfortunately the use of these authentic materials in the formation of English written competence is not provided for by regulatory documents and textbooks at schools. In order to achieve fulfill the tasks put forward before the foreign language teaching system we should change our attitudes, approaches to teaching, by changing our methods, materials and instructions. The use of authentic materials has become one of the principles of communicative language teaching, since the communicative approach emphasizes interaction as the ultimate goal of language learning. Schoolchildren must have knowledge about diverse range of complex communities that now exist in order to meet the requirements of sustained learning and operative participation in society, continually be involved in real English community. Teacher should use as many authentic materials as possible instead of materials designed specifically for language learners, not only to develop spoken language but also to enhance writing skills. [2; 128] Teacher should give schoolchildren texts that they will actually have to use in the real world. Written competence is also important for developing schoolchildren’s creativity, which should be considered important in the learning process. This allows schoolchildren to expand their worldview, easily express their thoughts on the paper, and be creative in solving problems and coming up with innovative actions. [3; 210] The use of authentic materials in the language classroom presents instructors with several challenges. One such challenge is development of effective research skills required to manage the vast amount of information available in written, spoken, or multimedia format. An additional challenge is the selection of the material most appropriate to the objectives of curriculum, a course, or even a single task. Authentic materials are very interesting and stimulating. Raise a sense of curiosity in the students and bring in the lively outer landscape into the learning situation. These materials are taken from the real life, as oppose to the material specially designed and constructed for the sake of language teaching.[8; 40-41] In this regard, it is necessary to increase the amount of authentic materials in our classes and improve the methodology for developing written competence to teach schoolchildren effectively. 273