Katherine Reilly

Amongst an educator’s greatest frustrations is none other than our misplaced faith in the educational materials we have before us. The potential of reciprocating our students’ desire and capacity to learn can assuredly be achieved via the textbooks we prompt them to purchase. But what of a possible blunder on our part? Could we have actually chosen the wrong coursebook? One which will be indefinitely utilized in the classroom for the foreseeable future? Although the responsibility may not lay solely upon or shoulders; be it last minute additions of newcomers to the existing structure, the fluctuation of comprehension and command of the language, the indifference on our students’ behalf towards the book’s main characters and story, we are called upon to shed light on this predicament and alleviate everyone’s frustrations – with the ultimate goal of getting through the school year intact!

April 1, 2024

Is My Textbook Just a Fancy Paperweight? Unveiling the Mysteries of Supplementary Material in ELT

by Katherine Reilly, originally published by ELT NEWS printed magazine.

As educators, we often contemplate the necessity of implementing supplementary materials to enhance and appease our students’ potential for learning. However, burdening ourselves with another ‘measly’ task while stacks of uncorrected papers demand our immediate attention is, in itself, a deterrent. Besides, we were told our shiny new textbooks are jam-packed with all the extra tools we need to offer students the most innovative and satisfying approach to embedding the language they so desire to command. ELT publishers have, without a doubt, made incredible advancements in offering the most accessible venue to learning, establishing their textbooks as the backbone of many language programs. Notwithstanding this marvelous feat, there are shortcomings which must be addressed, and addressed they shall! Fear not my disgruntled colleagues; when burdened with extra work, we always take it in our stride and never crib about it.