Motivation and the use of authentic material in teaching EFL to adults

Within the field of Applied Linguistics it has been largely discussed that the use of authentic material in the EFL classes brings positive results and can increase learners' motivation. First of all, an analysis of research on two contributory factors to Second language learning- motivational variables and investment- will be performed. A case study will be undertaken on four groups of students ranging from beginner to intermediate level. With the objective of proving the significance of the use of authentic material in the EFL class, a survey will be carried out. All this to demonstrate to what extent motivation can be strengthened on adult students whose contact with the language out of (in some cases also in) the class is low. Although new technologies may bring cultures closer, my students are not proficient at using them. What is more, they have had little or no contact with native speakers due to the fact that we live in a town that is not frequented by tourists or business people from abroad. This may be an example of many towns in Latin America where the results of this study could be applied.

Autorentext

Teacher of English and Translator. Lic. in English from FASTA University. Postgraduate course in Educ. and Digital Media from ISEP. He worked in primary and secondary schools. Teacher of ESP at Leibnitz Institute. Teacher trainer of Teaching Methods, 2nd Language Acquisition, Linguistics, Discursive Practices and Teaching Practicum at IJME College.