UNIT 23: Consulting reference resources to help in lesson preparation

Working out what we plan for our lessons might require extra materials and information, so that they are clear and connected. One way to do this is by consulting reference resources, these are all the sources about language and teaching for a lesson. In this entry, I will refer to reference resources for grammatical structures, for lexical items and for guiding learners.

When it comes to grammatical structures there are many books designed to clarify grammatical items such as Grammar in Use where we can find different grammar topics, explanations, examples and exercises. Similarly, bilingual and monolingual dictionaries are useful for understanding new vocabulary; there are even online dictionaries as Oxford Advanced Learners Dictionary, which I use regularly, where you can find updated words, collocations, synonyms and sometimes antonyms. Furthermore supplementary materials are reference resources for guiding learners in addition to what the coursebook includes, these sources can help a teacher reinforce the development of a skill as the website lyrics.com, where students can practice listening skill through music.

It is clear that every reference resource will increase the teacher and the learners language awareness thus by using extra sources the teaching – learning process will be successful.


For additional information check:

Scholfield, P. (2011, December 22). Monolingual versus bilingual dictionary use. Retrieved January 16, 2016, fromhttp://www.pearsonelt.com/professionaldevelopment/articles/Monolingual versus bilingual dictionary use

Saumell, V. (Director). (2014, November 19). Essential Digital Toolbox for Primary Teachers [Video file]. Retrieved January 16, 2016, fromhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DqC13lRoO1o&list=PL-oYKB0D9-E0jhYdYscPMrcPwFjR4xqJm&index=37