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Creating materials is important to do as a teacher as well as individually as a student and as a class. In my perception it improves students’ learning time frame because they can see and create materials that they might use in real life. As a teacher, creating interactive materials for my students such as pictures, worksheets, videos etc. could help improve my classroom participation. Assigning creative physical material assignments to individual students should give them self-confidence when they are out in the real business world. Group or class created materials will unite the students and encourage them to communicate with one another by using props, written dialogues or telephone conversations. As a teacher being prepared for class is one of the most important components. By personally creating interactive boards, games, videos and worksheets will not only get more class participation but also allow the students to imagine using the English they are learning in real business situations. Reflection from the students about how the materials played out in my classroom would give me an idea as to where my students need help on their work. Materials such as creating videos will help students be able to see themselves speaking English and after the students could correct their mistakes in another recording. Using technology while teaching business English provides me with a lot of creative freedom and endless resources to incorporate in the classroom. When individual students create their own materials and get to use them it allows them to use many tools, that they may later use in a business setting. For example, by creating their own resume\CV in English using a computer and printer, they create something personal and physical that they will need later in the business world. Students can also create and print business cards and keep to on them in case an opportunity arises. Creating materials is important because it helps develop the student’s individual ability and confidence. They may also create flash cards, interview questions or create a survey in English. Self-study is important in learning a new language. A class of students can function together to help one another improve. In most business settings there is interpersonal interaction. Creating materials as a class will improve not only student’s language but also their social interaction. Some possible classroom created materials might include holding telephones and having imaginary interviews with one another. Students can work in groups to present a business plan to the class. Working together students can create Power Point presentations for businesses they would like to work for. Authentic materials bridge the gap between classroom language use and their real-life language use by bringing familiar materials right into the classroom. For example; newspaper articles, websites, news broadcasts, TV shows, postcards, signs with symbols, picture books, movie posters, documentaries, travel brochures, etc. Using appropriate materials is very important for the amount of time spent, cost, and the level of each student’s knowledge. Creating pictures, graphic presentations, videos, audio recordings, presentation slides, etc. are all wonderful materials that improve student’s comprehension. A variety of materials help to keep students’ attention. Every students’ learning style is different, for example creating videos might help a visual learner. Where another student using an audio recording may help better an audio learner. Other students may learn best by filling out a worksheet that I create that will be graded for feedback. Individual students may gain more understanding by making personalized flash cards they can practice with multiple times. It is important to be culturally sensitive while creating materials. One of the reasons why I like to create my own materials is I can gauge if something is culturally inappropriate or if the cultural context is not understandable for the students. In conclusion, having hands on created materials can only expand the knowledge and comprehension for English students by giving them context for the different situations they may encounter in the business world.
