Wioletta Rożnawska

The article presents my ideas for using authentic texts in the course for doctoral students English in the Natural Sciences. As an ESP course, it is specifically oriented towards the subject content and the teacher’s role is to facilitate the process of learning by drawing on students’ knowledge of the subject matter. Combining subject matter and English language learning is highly motivating for students, nevertheless it is particularly challenging for the teacher to select and adapt suitable materials, as well as use them effectively to generate communication in the classroom. For a non subject specialist, it is essential to design working with authentic materials so as to give students a meaningful context and opportunity to exchange their background knowledge and practice the language. The first part of this article is devoted to a brief discussion of the difficulties that an ESP teacher must face while adapting authentic materials for the course. The second part contains some examples of materials and activities used in the course.

From my own teaching experience I have noticed how enthusiastic students are about using games during the lesson. However, apart from the fact that games are one of the most enjoyable classroom activities, they “provide an opportunity for intensive language practise” (Hadfield 1990: VII) and are successful methods of language presentation and revision. They enrich classroom activities but at the same time focus student attention on specific structures, grammatical patterns and vocabulary items, hence their great educational value. W.R. Lee holds that “most language games make learners use the language instead of thinking about learning the correct forms” (Lee 1995: 35). They are also highly motivating because they are amusing and at the same time challenging. However, since games are used not only for mere fun, but more importantly, for the useful practice and review of language lessons, games should be suitable and carefully-chosen.