MUHAMMAD AIMAN BIN ABDUL SHUKOR (D20211098876)

TASK ON CHAPTER 4: ADAPTING MATERIALS

1. What does McDonough (2013) mean when he said “… thus to adapt materials is to try to
bring together these individual elements under each heading in figure 4.1, or combinations
of them, so that they match each other as closely as possible (page 65)

McDonough (2013) meant that external factors comprise both the overt claims made about
materials and more significantly for the present chapter, the characteristics of particular teaching
situations. Meanwhile internal factors are concerned with content, organization and consistency.
For instance, teaching materials may be coherent but not totally applicable in context. Internal
factors are acceptable, but there is an external problem. Alternatively, materials may be largely
appropriate for the teaching situation, so external factors are met, but show signs of an
inconsistent organization – an internal problem.

2. Provide an example of a material that meet the internal factor but has an external
problem. (refer page 65)

One example of a material that meet the internal factor but has an external problem is textbook.

3. What does McDonough (2013) mean by “effective adaptation is a matter of achieving

congruence” (page 65).

He meant that an effective adapting materials must consider all important factors which are
teaching materials, methodology, students, course objectives, the target language and its context,
and the teacher’s own personality and teaching style’ (Madsen and Bowen, 1978: ix).

4. List 3 possible areas of mismatch that you feel require a process of adaptation.

i. Subject matter inappropriate for learners of this age and intellectual level
ii. Amount of material too much or too little to cover in the time allocated
to lessons
iii. Accompanying tests needed.

5. What does McDonough (2013) mean when he said “we need to personalize, individualize,
or localize the content” (page 69) .

According to McDonought (2013), the environment may necessitate a number of changes that
will lead to greater appropriacy. In this context, ‘Personalize’ refers to increasing the relevance
of content in relation to learners’ interests and their academic, educational or professional needs.
‘Individualize’ will address the learning styles of both individuals and of the members of a class
working closely together. ‘Localizing’ takes into account the international geography of English
language teaching and recognizes that what may work well.

6. Prepare an illustration (example mind map, table) of the 5 techniques in adapting materials.
Present the main points for each technique.