Authentic Materials and Their Application in the Classroom: A Study of the Perspectives and Experiences of Practicing ELT Professionals

This paper presents the results of a study into the perception and application of authentic materials (AM) by those currently involved in English language education. The paper begins with a literature review of the advantages and disadvantages of AM and then details a research study in which 24 English Language Teaching (ELT) professionals, based in Japan, Singapore, and the United States, were interviewed about their beliefs and experiences regarding practical AM usage. Concrete examples were gleaned from the teachers who use AM in diverse cultures and educational environments, and these examples are also presented in the paper. The study found that teachers not only value the role of AM in language education, citing such benefits as increased student motivation and awareness of the world outside the classroom, but they also work hard and with creativity to overcome the difficulties associated with bringing AM into the class. The greatest of these difficulties is the significant burden placed on teachers in selecting and adapting appropriate material, and the paper concludes that more must be done to increase the availability and ease of use of AM for ELT professionals.