Week 2: Principles for Materials Development Reflection

In Materials Development tutorial for week 2, our first task were that we had to find out the principles that Jeremy Short applied when he produced his materials. It was quite easy for us to detect and explain the principles he applied. In spite of this, we chose the principles based on the general points.

After that, we had a discussion again to choose the principles by considering Miss JC’s comment and a problem appeared as there were differences to our previous choices. It was not as easy as we thought when there is elaboration on each point. It is easy for us to know and follow the principles, yet, it is not easy for us to apply the principles when teaching. 

Short has introduced the graphic novel which I found it is useful for the learners. Learners will be active if the environment of the classroom is interesting. Thus, learners will be able to pay attention in class which also one of the goals for teachers. Graphic novel definitely will help to develop learners’ creativity and critical thinking skills with the real life experience which lead to the feeling of authenticity.

For the second task, we were asked to design a diagram about the aspects influencing the materials development. The second task was difficult compared to the first task. We were confused as all members in our group had different opinions and ideas.  But eventually we came out with a diagram we were happy with by linking all members’ ideas.

I realised that there are many elements that influence materials development by designing a diagram on the aspects influencing materials development. As a pre-service teacher, I realised that the principles of second language acquisition and principles of teaching and learning play the important roles in materials development, yet, there are still others factors we need to consider for develop materials in teaching.  

This tutorial has called my attention on materials development, especially on the important roles in the process of teaching and learning. As a pre-service teacher, I realised that I still lack of knowledge in this field and I still have much more to learn before teaching in the future. 

Week 2: Principles for Materials Development

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 (Example: 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.