By Zarela Cruz
When it comes to preparing our class,
our main frame is the Teacher’s Guide. There is a point in which we wonder if it
is helpful or if, eventually, it restricts our creativity.
Let’s analyze the facts.
Novice vs
experienced teachers
For novice teachers, a Teacher’s Guide
is like a bible: it contains all pedagogical aspects to be taken into account;
it tells them what to do step by step so it is an excellent back up.
Tailor-made or
ready to use?
The information in the Teacher’s Guide
does not necessarily fit our institution’s goals. However, it may be helpful
and supportive.
Below, a list of pros:
- It definitely saves time.
- It explains how activities can be used since they are suggested by their own authors.
- It describes the methodological approach of the textbook.
- It supplies extra materials such as exams, exercises, handouts, CDs and even an eZone!
And now, a list of cons:
- It restricts your creativity.
- ·You may feel that the sequence of your class is imposed by what the book states for a specific unit or chapter.
- You do not have the chance to create your own examples.
- You may not include your own experience or know-how.
Do any of these reasons sound familiar
to you? There has always been a debate about the usefulness of such a guide:
some teachers are convinced that they bring not only variety to class but also invaluable help. On the other hand, there is also a number of teachers that think
it is a good start, but it should not be definite.
Your turn:
How do you see the
teacher’s guide?
Has it always meant
the same to you?
References
Retrieved
from:
Biodata
Zarela Cruz graduated from
Ricardo Palma University as a translator. She also finished her master’s
studies in Linguistics and took some specialization diplomas in the
Teaching of English and Spanish. She has also completed some online
certificates: Teaching the Working Adult, Online,
Hybrid and Blended Education, among other self-study courses. She has
taught different courses, programs and levels and has been a teacher trainer, a
lecturer and online instructor for more than 25 years. She is currently
studying a master’s degree in Translation. This article aims to reflect on
the convenience of using a Teacher’s Guide.
