Teachers' Perceptions on Authentic Materials in Language Teaching in Kuwait

Abstract

This research paper was conducted to find out the effects of authentic materials on students learning at elementary level. This study provides basic and comprehensive information to assist teachers in developing effective communication among teachers and students. It was carried out during fall semester 2013. The researcher used qualitative method approach in which simultaneously collected data using a non- participant observation, artifacts, and face-to face interview. The objectives of the study were to determine the teachers perceptions towards the use of one or many types of authentic materials in teaching English as a foreign language, their effective way in integrating the English language skills, and to determine whether the use of authentic materials is more effective than traditional methods of teaching. The results of data shows that the authentic materials are a good and useful tool for learning a second language toward examination purposes because they lead the learner into drawing out language from their own knowledge and personal experiences through exposure to, immersion to the stimuli presented before them.

Keywords: Authentic material, ESL/ EFL, teacher preparation, Listening/Viewing Materials, Visual Materials, Printed Materials, Realia, elementary stage.