Different Types of ELT Materials
ELT materials come in many forms, from coursebooks and worksheets to digital lessons, self-paced modules, and online classroom resources. Understanding these different types helps writers choose the right format, level of support, and delivery style for each learning context.
Aim
This page clarifies the main types of ELT materials and how they differ in purpose, format, and use so writers can design content that fits the delivery mode and learning context.
What Are Language Training Materials?
There are different types of language learning materials used in ELT programmes.
- Digital classroom materials (learner-facing slides and trainer notes).
- Digital self-paced materials (digital media, e-learning content and exercises).
- Classroom materials (coursebook materials, worksheets and trainer notes).
Digital self-paced training materials are designed to be used without a trainer. They are usually built in a content creation solution such as H5P and delivered to the client on a learning management system (LMS) like Moodle.
Teacher-Led Training (Online)
Online teacher-led training combines live instruction with a range of classroom-style materials.
- Learning goals aligned with competencies.
- Learning activities (true/false, multiple choice quizzes, gapfill, categorization, matching, etc.).
- Reading material (graded texts, articles, blog posts, etc.).
- Listening material (audio files: monologues, dialogues, etc.).
- Video material (learning videos, movie clips, etc.).
- Speaking material (case studies, role plays, etc.).
Self-Paced Assignments, Modules and Lessons
Self-paced modules are designed for independent study and must include all support a learner needs within the materials. They are usually presented in a carousel format, with content blocks or cards that learners move through using a next button, so the guidance, examples, and practice all need to be clear and self-contained.
- Learning goals aligned with competencies.
- Media (texts, audio, video, images).
- Questions (multiple choice, select, drag and drop, gap fill text, etc.).
- Answers with automatic grading according to competencies.
- Tips and feedback providing a “hidden teacher” function in self-paced learning.
Materials Used in Online Classrooms
Digital classroom materials most often use PowerPoint or PDF presentations in wide (16:9) or standard landscape (4:3) formats.
How do they differ from coursebooks that are on printable A4 format pages?
- They typically include one activity per slide.
- Each slide must present everything the learner requires for that task.
- The content is specifically designed in landscape format and exported as a PDF for delivery in the online classroom.
- There is no scrolling down in the live lesson view.
Print Media Categories
Print materials are still central to many ELT courses that take place in a physical classroom. They are generally grouped into core and supplementary resources.
- Core materials (syllabus, course book, student’s book, progress tests, etc.).
- Supplementary materials (games, worksheets, vocabulary sheets, grammar reference, language summaries).