To know the challenges and opportunities of using authentic materials for low proficiency learners in SMP Islam Nabilah, Batam, this study used qualitative approach to capture it. According to Burns and Grove (2003), qualitative approach is a systematic approach used to describe life experiences and situations to give them meaning, and picture of situation as it naturally happened.
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The participants of the research were 21 students of SMP Islam Nabilah who classified as low proficiency learners according to English Placement Test. To maximize the process of collecting data, the research used semi-structured interview, classroom observation, and self-reflection diary.
The primary instrument of this research is the researcher (Moleong, 2014). The researcher is involving in all process of the research data collection, analyzing, and interpreting the data. The secondary instrument is interview questions and data sheet analysis. The instruments are constructed by synthesized theory from various scholars (Richard, 2001; Gilmore, 2007; Kirana, 2014; Mishan, 2005), and other researchers that relevant to the topic to analyze the opportunities and challenges when using authentic materials for low-level learners.
FINDINGS AND DISCUSSION
a. Kind of Authentic MaterialsÂ
The table below shows types of authentic materials tended to use movies, songs, literatures, and web. It means that researcher consider to the cultural products that commonly used as a source to teach English (Mishan, 2005).
- Table 4.1 Kind of Authentic Materials Used in SMP Islam Nabilah
b. Opportunities and Challenges of Using Authentic Materials
1. Opportunities
The following table presents the opportunities of using authentic materials for low proficiency learners.