Tutorial Week 2 ● Reflection

In our Materials Development tutorial for week 2, our first task were that we had to find out which principles Jeremy Short applied when he produced his materials. At first, we felt that it wasn’t a difficult task as it was quite easy to spot and choose which principles he applied; however, we chose it based on the general points, overlooking the procedures/sub-points given from the main point.

After tutorial class on Monday, we had a discussion again to choose the principles based on the main point and also the procedures/sub-points, also considering Miss JC’s comment on our presentation. There were slight differences to our previous choices and we struggled a little as it wasn’t as easy as we thought when we needed to elaborate on each point. I feel that there will not be a principle that will be able to fit perfectly, and we really need to improvise and adapt to teach; this was one thing I learnt. Knowing and following the principles is “easy”, but to apply it in teaching isn’t as easy because there are so many factors we need to consider and cater to. I realised that the principles act as a guideline, but it’s up to us to adapt and to develop the best materials possible.

The second task for the tutorial was much harder compared to the first task. We were confused on whether we should elaborate on how each point affected materials development respectively or draw out a diagram linking the points with explanation. After much confusion, we decided on the latter. Coming out with a diagram was quite time consuming as we had different ideas and opinions, but I realised we all learnt from each other and we eventually came out with a diagram we were happy with.

Having to design a diagram on the aspects influencing materials development was eye-opening; there are so many things that influence materials development and it all links to one another. Before this, all I knew was that materials were develop based on the curriculum goal and objectives only. I didn’t know there were principles to follow or other factors that influences materials development. As a future language teacher, I realised developing language learning materials is crucial in helping students to learn and also in helping myself-as a teacher-to teach. Also, I realised it isn’t a “develop a material, and use the material for the rest of my teaching life” practice, but we are to constantly change, modify and improve the materials based on the factors in the diagram.

This tutorial has definitely allowed me to learn more on materials development, on how it plays a part in the process of teaching and learning among teachers and learners. As a pre-service teacher, I realised there are so many things I’ve not known before taking this course, and I have much more to learn and to take in before I start teaching in the future. I’m looking forward to learn more on this. J

Tutorial Week 2

A. Which principles for materials development did Short apply when producing his materials?

Materials should achieve impact.

• Jeremy short’s materials are very attractive and appealing to the students.
• However, it may not impact in terms of learning. 
• Although the material appeals to the student, we are uncertain that it would allow students to learn more.

What is being taught should be perceived by learners as relevant and useful

• Jeremy Short’s materials relate to learners’ interests and ‘real-life’ tasks. For instance, he talks about “Tales of Garcon” and “University Life”, both of which learners could relate to what they are experiencing in real-life.
• Also, through Short’s graphic novels, students obtain the message through stories that relates to real-life situation which differs from the usual textbook model.
• Hence, through Short’s graphic novel, learners could discuss the solution of the problem since it relates to real-life situation.

Materials should provide opportunities for outcome and feedback.

• Short gotten feedback from his students on how boring the textbooks were and that’s how he started producing his materials.
• After he created and shared the materials, students also provided feedback and asked him “what’s going to come next?” It shows that students are interested in the materials he produced and wants to know more.
• However, asking him “what’s next?” may mean that they’re only interested on the graphic novels and may have not grasp what they are supposed to learn. 

B. Design and complete the following diagram.

The diagram below shows the aspects influencing materials development. We decided to put country’s vision as the main aspect that influences materials development because we are looking at the bigger picture of the development of materials. Country’s vision includes improving many areas such as the economy, politics, social, and education. Since we are focusing on education, we feel that the county’s vision is to produce a better generation of learners in the future. Therefore, in order to achieve this vision, we need to have curriculum goal and objectives (eg: Malaysian Education Blueprint). 

After the country’s vision, we are going to see a smaller picture which is the curriculum goal and objective. In order to achieve country’s vision in the education field, educators need to set goals and objectives. Hence, school administration aims and objective plays a significant role in carrying out the process of moving towards the target. These three aspects mentioned can be achieved through materials developments.

Materials development is influenced by two principles namely principles of teaching and learning and the principles of second language acquisition.  Both of these principles influence teachers’ belief and rational as these principles act as a guidance in producing material. However, teacher’s belief and rational are also affected by the learners; with this, teachers need to adapt by taking into consideration which principles are applicable in developing the materials. The teachers’ belief and rational, we feel, is how he/she adapts and then implement these principles and beliefs in developing materials in teaching.

Having the experience of a learner in our high school lives, we realised parents’ goals are one of the main factors that affects us. Most parents have expectations towards their children’s (learners) development which in turn affects the learner in their learning. Due to this situation, teachers are affected as they need to cater to the parents’ expectation of their children.

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