Term
Summer 2026
Capstone
Capstone Project
Degree Name
MA-TESOL
Facilitator(s)
Karen Moroz and Shelley Orr
Content Expert
Rose Holliday
Abstract
With attention on the topic of globalization at an all time high, more and more focus has been shifted towards student-centric, evidence-based approaches for second language education. In order to address the perceived need of more culturally-centered content, this project attempts to answer the question: What are the benefits of using authentic materials over grammar-based texts and how can authentic materials be implemented into low-proficiency ELD classrooms? Authentic materials, or materials created by native language speakers not for the purposes of L2 education, have been gaining more popularity among educational researchers as second language acquisition theories have begun to favor meaning-making over explicit form instruction. This project outlines the benefits of authentic materials and gives suggestions of how in-service teachers can implement them into existing low-proficiency ELD classroom curriculum. Results from the research indicate that students prefer using authentic materials as L2 input due to their cultural relevance and similarities to target language use. The project includes an outline and supplementary materials of a professional development course that is designed to deliver information to educators interested in continuing education, but might have experienced unproductive PD courses in the past.
Project Type
Professional Development
Keywords
Adult Education, ESL/ ELLs, Literacy, Staff Development
Recommended Citation
Fields, Kenneth, "Authentic Material Use in English Language Development Classrooms" (2026). School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Projects. 1228.
https://digitalcommons.hamline.edu/hse_cp/1228
Type
text
Publisher
Hamline University
Format
application/pdf
Source
School of Education Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations at Hamline University