Selecting and using locally relevant authentic materials
Every local context is different, and what works in one classroom may not work in another; in general, however, any topic related to food is potentially fun and engaging. For example, in Chilean university classrooms, I used authentic materials related to a Chilean restaurant, which happened to be in New York City. Although the restaurant was located outside the local context, the materials were locally relevant because the restaurant served Chilean cuisine and was owned by Chileans. In addition to the restaurant’s menu and profile, I used informal restaurant reviews that had been written by its customers.
When you select locally relevant authentic materials, concentrate on surface culture topics such as the arts, customs, food, holidays, places, situations, and traditions that are relevant to your local context; in addition, give your students opportunities to engage in critical thinking and cross-cultural nuance by adding deep culture topics such as attitudes, perceptions, and values. Meanwhile, avoid any possible risk of offending your students. For example, does your local context include a recent painful chapter in its history, such as a civil war, a military coup, a disputed election, or the competing forces of secular versus religious influences on public affairs? If so, steer clear of these subjects or approach them with extreme caution. In especially precarious local contexts, focus exclusively on the surface culture topics listed above.
Following are five categories of locally relevant authentic materials and practical suggestions for using them effectively in the classroom.
Category 1: Restaurants
Select a restaurant that is relevant to your local context and located in an international English-speaking city like New York. Search the web for the following authentic materials: the restaurant’s menu, a profile of the restaurant (outlining its cuisine, location, hours, policies, etc.), and reviews written by customers. Practical suggestions for using these materials include the following:
• Form pairs to discuss one or two icebreaker questions such as: What is your favorite food? How often do you eat i