--- title: Active Reading with Authentic Materials description: This session looked at using a variety of authentic materials in the ESOL classroom and how they can be used to promote a variety of reading skills including critical thinking. image: https://resources.trinitycollege.com/hubfs/Language%20(UKI)/TTW-new/2023/TTW-Jan-Eventbrite.png --- [![Trinity College London - purple logo](https://resources.trinitycollege.com/hubfs/Drama%202020%20Resource/Trinity%20College%20London%20-%20purple%20logo.svg) ](https://resources.trinitycollege.com/teachers/english_language/webinars) [![Trinity College London - purple logo](https://resources.trinitycollege.com/hubfs/Drama%202020%20Resource/Trinity%20College%20London%20-%20purple%20logo.svg) ](https://resources.trinitycollege.com/teachers/english_language/webinars) ## English Language Webinars Trinity organises events and various webinar series throughout the year. Most Trinity-organised events are free, but may require advance registration. [![](https://resources.trinitycollege.com/hubfs/Language%20(UKI)/TTW-new/2023/TTW-Jan-Eventbrite.png) ](https://resources.trinitycollege.com/teachers/english_language/webinars/ttw/active-reading-authentic-materials) # Active Reading with Authentic Materials This session looked at using a variety of authentic materials in the ESOL classroom and how they can be used to promote a variety of reading skills including critical thinking. During the webinar, the presenter explored: - What authentic materials are - The benefits (and potential challenges) of using authentic materials in the classroom - Examples of different types of authentic materials and how they can be exploited - Ideas for creating tasks which are suitable for different levels - Ways of using infographics   Summary Concerned that authentic materials are too challenging for lower levels? This session demonstrated that they can be equally as useful as an entry leveled text and can be used in mixed-ability classes. They can also lend themselves to the development of skills in writing, speaking & listening.   About the presenter Rachel has over thirty years of experience in education. She has worked as a teacher, a trainer, a Curriculum Manager and a Senior Manager. Specialising in ESOL, EFL and languages, she has worked in many settings including private language schools, Work-based Learning, Adult Community Learning and Offender Learning. Rachel specialises in teacher training, in creating bespoke CPD courses and has a keen interest in embedding, contextualising and resource development, as well as digital technologies and neurodiversity. Rachel, a qualified teacher with Advanced Teacher Status, has written numerous training courses for leading support agencies and FE providers. She is currently National Co-Chair of the [National Association of Teaching English and Community Languages to Adults (NATECLA)](https://www.natecla.org.uk/).   Video   Resources - [Download the useful links (PDF)](https://resources.trinitycollege.com/hubfs/Language%20(UKI)/TTW-new/2023/Useful%20Links_Active%20reading%20with%20authentic%20materials.pdf)   About the Transformative Teachers Webinar Series The [Transformative Teachers webinar series](https://learn.trinitycollege.co.uk/ttw) is aimed at English language teaching professionals who would like to participate in regular development opportunities. See all Transformative Teacher Webinars, and find out more about the series at: [learn.trinitycollege.co.uk/TTW](https://learn.trinitycollege.co.uk/ttw)     [![New call-to-action](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/2885273/fe0077ab-b7c3-44c8-a043-cab88ed069e3.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/2885273/fe0077ab-b7c3-44c8-a043-cab88ed069e3) Topics: [English for Specific Purposes (ESP)](https://resources.trinitycollege.com/teachers/english_language/webinars/tag/english-for-specific-purposes-esp), [Transformative Teachers](https://resources.trinitycollege.com/teachers/english_language/webinars/tag/transformative-teachers) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) ## Upcoming ### Popular topics [![Tag - Assessment grey](https://resources.trinitycollege.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Language%20(UKI)/Webinars/Tag%20-%20Assessment%20grey.png?width=131&name=Tag%20-%20Assessment%20grey.png)](https://resources.trinitycollege.com/teachers/english_language/webinars/tag/assessment) [![Tag - ESP Grey](https://resources.trinitycollege.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Language%20(UKI)/Webinars/Tag%20-%20ESP%20Grey.png?width=236&name=Tag%20-%20ESP%20Grey.png)](https://resources.trinitycollege.com/teachers/english_language/webinars/tag/english-for-specific-purposes-esp) [![Tag - SFL grey](https://resources.trinitycollege.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Language%20(UKI)/Webinars/Tag%20-%20SFL%20grey.png?width=167&name=Tag%20-%20SFL%20grey.png) ![Tag - Steps grey](https://resources.trinitycollege.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Language%20(UKI)/Webinars/Tag%20-%20Steps%20grey.png?width=126&name=Tag%20-%20Steps%20grey.png)](https://resources.trinitycollege.com/teachers/english_language/webinars/tag/esol-skills-for-life) [![Tag - Foelt grey](https://resources.trinitycollege.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Language%20(UKI)/Webinars/Tag%20-%20Foelt%20grey.png?width=78&name=Tag%20-%20Foelt%20grey.png)](https://resources.trinitycollege.com/teachers/english_language/webinars/tag/the-future-of-english-language-teaching-conference) [![Tag - GESE Grey-01](https://resources.trinitycollege.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Language%20(UKI)/Webinars/Tag%20-%20GESE%20Grey-01.png?width=82&name=Tag%20-%20GESE%20Grey-01.png)](https://resources.trinitycollege.com/teachers/english_language/webinars/tag/gese) [![Tag - ISE Grey-1](https://resources.trinitycollege.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Language%20(UKI)/Webinars/Tag%20-%20ISE%20Grey-1.png?width=67&name=Tag%20-%20ISE%20Grey-1.png)](https://resources.trinitycollege.com/teachers/english_language/webinars/tag/ise) [![Tag - Teacher Education Grey](https://resources.trinitycollege.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Language%20(UKI)/Webinars/Tag%20-%20Teacher%20Education%20Grey.png?width=176&name=Tag%20-%20Teacher%20Education%20Grey.png)](https://resources.trinitycollege.com/teachers/english_language/webinars/tag/teacher-education) [![Tag - Teaching online grey](https://resources.trinitycollege.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Language%20(UKI)/Webinars/Tag%20-%20Teaching%20online%20grey.png?width=160&name=Tag%20-%20Teaching%20online%20grey.png)](https://resources.trinitycollege.com/teachers/english_language/webinars/tag/teaching-online) [![Tag - Technology grey](https://resources.trinitycollege.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Language%20(UKI)/Webinars/Tag%20-%20Technology%20grey.png?width=236&name=Tag%20-%20Technology%20grey.png)](https://resources.trinitycollege.com/teachers/english_language/webinars/tag/technology-and-innovation) [![Tag - Transformative Grey](https://resources.trinitycollege.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Language%20(UKI)/Webinars/Tag%20-%20Transformative%20Grey.png?width=220&name=Tag%20-%20Transformative%20Grey.png)](https://resources.trinitycollege.com/teachers/english_language/webinars/tag/transformative-teachers) [![Tag - Trinity Stars](https://resources.trinitycollege.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Language%20(UKI)/Webinars/Tag%20-%20Trinity%20Stars.png?width=133&name=Tag%20-%20Trinity%20Stars.png)](https://resources.trinitycollege.com/teachers/english_language/webinars/tag/trinity-stars) [![Tag - Young learners grey](https://resources.trinitycollege.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Language%20(UKI)/Webinars/Tag%20-%20Young%20learners%20grey.png?width=153&name=Tag%20-%20Young%20learners%20grey.png)](https://resources.trinitycollege.com/teachers/english_language/webinars/tag/young-learners)   [![New call-to-action](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/2885273/2f66724b-93f5-4a32-a608-edc23cfd2f6b.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/2885273/2f66724b-93f5-4a32-a608-edc23cfd2f6b) ### Choose a series/event - [Transformative Teachers](https://resources.trinitycollege.com/teachers/english_language/webinars/tag/transformative-teachers) - [The Future of English Language Teaching](https://resources.trinitycollege.com/teachers/english_language/webinars/tag/the-future-of-english-language-teaching-conference)