Creating and writing your own ELT materials



Overview

The ability to write materials is a key skill in English Language Teaching but it’s a skill which is often neglected on teacher training programmes. The main aim of this online course is for you to develop your existing materials writing skills through the input of a published ELT author, and with peer support from your course colleagues.

Each of the five modules looks at the different sub-skills of materials writing, including image and text selection, writing instructions and exercises, developing audio and video scripts, and creating motivating speaking activities. The course will also provide advice to anyone considering publishing or self-publishing their work.

Course Objectives:

During this course you will:

  • identify key skills and principles of materials writing
  • develop the ability to select and adapt authentic materials
  • create a series of exercises forming a complete lesson
  • self-evaluate and improve your materials
  • consider the implications of writing for other teachers

Programme details

Course structure:

The summer course comprises an introductory session and five content modules delivered over a three-week period.

There will be two live tutor-led interactive workshops each week, as well as a number of engaging asynchronous tasks that you complete in your own time.

The asynchronous part of your course will allow you and your fellow participants to extend the learning from the live sessions. Typically, this will include follow up quizzes, extra readings and materials. You will also benefit from opportunities to discuss aspects of each session with your peers in pairs and in small groups, allowing you to reflect on how you might tailor the content of each session to your own teaching context. 

We expect you to devote at least 5 hours each week to your course. Outside the scheduled live sessions, you can study at times that are most convenient for you.

Class sizes are kept small to maximise opportunities for interaction. 

Workshops:

During your two weekly live workshops, you will be expected to participate actively in discussions and exchanges with your tutor and fellow participants. You will be encouraged to continue your discussions through additional online interaction throughout your course.

The first day of your course will begin with an introductory session to introduce you to the structure, expectations, and goals of an Oxford Teachers' Academy course. You then follow a series of five modules over three weeks.

All times are UK time (UTC+1). 

Introductory Session: Monday 27 July 1pm-2pm

Module 1: Key principles for writing ELT materials - Friday 31 July 1pm-2pm

  • Defining ‘ELT materials’
  • The features of effective materials
  • Creating a worksheet

Module 2: Images and text in materials - Monday 03 August 1pm-2pm

  • Sourcing and selecting images
  • Adapting reading texts
  • Writing a sequence of exercises

Module 3: The flow of your materials - Friday 07 August 1pm-2pm

  • Ways of analysing the flow and structure of material
  • Writing for grammar and vocabulary lessons
  • Controlled and free practice activities

Module 4: Speaking, listening and video materials - Monday 10 August 1pm-2pm

  • Writing scripts and dialogues
  • Creating communicative speaking activities
  • How to write video materials

Module 5: Evaluating materials and publication - Friday 14 August 1pm-2pm

  • Presentation of your materials
  • How to self-analyse your writing
  • Advice on getting published and self-publishing

Certification

Oxford Teachers’ Academy courses are certified by the Department for Continuing Education. In order to receive a Certificate of Completion, course participants must submit an Evidence of Learning Journal  which will be evaluated against established criteria. If all criteria are met, participants will receive an electronic Certificate of Completion within six weeks of submitting their journals.

You will also receive a University of Oxford Certificate of Attendance on successful completion of each OTA online summer course.

 

Fees

Description Costs
27 July - 14 August: Creating and writing your own ELT materials £280.00

Funding

The Department is, unfortunately, unable to offer any scholarships or reduction in fees for the Oxford Teachers’ Academy online courses at present.

Tutor

John Hughes

Tutor

John Hughes is a course designer, trainer and award-winning author.

He is a well-known conference speaker and has given presentations around the world on a variety of topics including materials development for blended learning and online training. He created his first online course in 2004 and has been involved in online learning and technology in education ever since.

He currently works with a number synchronous and asynchronous tools and platforms such as Moodle, Canvas, Adobe and Zoom, using them for teacher training programmes and webinar presentations.

He has an extensive background in materials writing for Oxford University Press and National Geographic Learning with courses combining face-to-face and online components. Currently he specialises in the creation of content for video-based courses.

John has been a lecturer and tutor with Oxford University’s Department for Continuing Education for ten years.

Application

Please click on 'Book Now' to reserve a place.

Subject to the availability of places, the closing date is 12pm UK time on Friday 24 July 2020.

Further course information notes will be emailed to participants shortly before the start of the summer school.

Any queries?

Please contact the Programme Administrator by email at ipota@conted.ox.ac.uk

Level and demands

It is expected that participants will have some experience of teaching English language.

This course is primarily for secondary school teachers and teachers of adults.

All participants must speak English to a minimum of a high B2 CEFR level of proficiency.

IT requirements

Oxford Teachers’ Academy courses are certified by the Department for Continuing Education. In order to receive a Certificate of Completion, course participants must submit an Evidence of Learning Journal  which will be evaluated against established criteria. If all criteria are met, participants will receive an electronic Certificate of Completion within six weeks of submitting their journals.

You will also receive a University of Oxford Certificate of Attendance on successful completion of each OTA online summer course.

Terms & conditions for applicants and students

Information on financial support