USING AUTHENTIC MATERIALS IN DEVELOPING READING COMPREHENSION OF STUDENTS IN ENGLISH CLASSES

Аннотация

This article purposes to describe the term “authenticity “and “authentic material” with its profits, importance and necessities. In addition, usage of authentic materials in order to develop English language learners’ reading comprehension. Key words: authentic, authenticity, real world, reading comprehension. Language teaching requires numerous approaches and teachers should not rely on only the same coursebook. It is not only boring or complex but also it does not help to motivate students to study. Therefore teachers should mix up other types of materials and one of them is “Authentic materials”. What does this term mean? Authenticity refers the quality of being real or true according to Cambridge dictionary.Also , Merriam Webster dictionary gives similar definition as “not false or imitation: real and actual “ for this term. If it comes to authentic material, it is apparent that modern pedagogy is aware of this term. This is a set of materials which are created by native speakers for native speakers. Martinez (2002) believes that authentic materials are which prepared for native speakers and not designed to be used for teaching purposes. Many scholars state that if students are willing to use English language sufficiently, they have to be exposed to the language, exactly because it is employed in real world situations by native speakers. Nuttall (1996) argues that “authentic texts are often motivating because they are proof that the language is employed for real-life purposes by real people” They are not made for learning environment. Authentic materials purposes to connect students with real context. They can be written, oral or visual. For example, stories, novels, books, blogs, newspaper articles; interviews, podcasts, news on Tv or radio; pictures, advertisement, menues and etc. Using authentic materials in English classes has been shown to significantly enhance students' reading comprehension. Authentic materials, defined as resources not specifically designed for language teaching but created for native speakers, include newspapers, magazines, 442 NEW RENAISSANCE 2025 MARCH INTERNATIONAL SCIENTIFIC AND PRACTICAL CONFERENCE VOLUME 2 | ISSUE 3 podcasts, and videos. These materials provide learners with exposure to real-world language, which is crucial for developing reading skills.There some benefits of implementing authentic materials in English classes and in the following some of them will be discussed. 1.Real-World Language Exposure: Authentic materials expose students to the language as it is naturally used, including idiomatic expressions and cultural references that are often absent in traditional textbooks. This exposure helps students develop a more nuanced understanding of the language, which is essential for effective communication [1]. 2.Increased Motivation: When students engage with materials that reflect their interests and real-life experiences, they are more likely to be motivated and invested in the learning process. Authentic materials make learning more relevant and interesting, fostering a positive attitude toward language learning . 3.Enhanced Reading Skills: Studies have shown that using authentic materials can improve reading comprehension. For instance, research indicates that students who read authentic texts are better able to discover meaning through context, which aids in vocabulary acquisition and comprehension [1]. Additionally, authentic materials help learners develop critical thinking skills as they analyze and interpret content [3]. 4.Cultural Awareness: Engaging with authentic materials provides insights into the culture and lifestyle of native speakers, which is crucial for understanding sociocultural nuances in language use. This cultural context enhances students' ability to comprehend and engage with texts meaningfully [3] Research Findings.A study conducted by Jusoh (2016) among diploma students in Malaysia found that an experimental group taught with authentic reading materials outperformed a control group taught with conventional textbooks. This indicates that authentic materials can significantly enhance reading comprehension skills [1]. Similarly, Berardo (2006) emphasizes that authentic materials facilitate vocabulary acquisition and improve reading skills by providing learners with exposure to varied linguistic input [2]. By the way of conclusion, incorporating authentic materials into English language teaching not only bridges the gap between classroom learning and real-world application but also stimulates learners’ interest and motivation. The positive impact of these materials on reading comprehension is supported by various studies, highlighting their importance in developing effective language skills. 443 NEW RENAISSANCE 2025 MARCH INTERNATIONAL SCIENTIFIC AND PRACTICAL CONFERENCE VOLUME 2 | ISSUE 3