Teacher Resources

Many teachers find Spotlight a valuable tool in the classroom. We are very happy to see Spotlight used this way. But how can you use Spotlight?

It depends whether you wish to use Spotlight to help you to teach English, to teach the subject of a particular program, or both.

Using Spotlight in English classes

A Spotlight program is a resource that you can use in a lesson. Spotlight is not itself a lesson; it is not graded to a particular level of difficulty, and it does not introduce language concepts progressively. Really, the method of English in Spotlight is a communication tool to help people understand the program content.

The first thing you need to do is to choose a program (or part of one) that is the right level of English for your students. For this you can use our Listen and Read or our archive page. If you want to use the program audio and the script, be sure you choose a program that has audio links on the script page (if there are none, then the audio of that program is not available). You can download the mp3 audio and the script freely.

Here are some ways to use Spotlight in your classroom

Create vocabulary lists to review, from the programs. Listening to the programs will give your students the context for these words.

Make a special copy of the script – remove words for your students to fill in. Then, distribute copies of the script to your students. As they listen, they can fill in the words – and develop their listening comprehension.

Prepare discussion questions. After listening to the program, students can use the discussion questions in small groups. You can download samples on our Listeners Club page. 

Prepare comprehension questions. These will test whether the students understood the programs.

If your students have Ipods or MP3 players, you could encourage them to copy the program audio and listen at home.

Using Spotlight in other classes

Spotlight programs are carefully researched, written and checked. You should find the information in them is reliable and accurate. The basic facts on a subject are presented in a very accessible way in Spotlight programs. So, with students whose English is adequate, you can use Spotlight as an introduction to a subject, and as a discussion starter. During the discussion you can develop the subject further . As with the English teaching, Spotlight is just a resource for you. The way you use it is the key!

Use our archive page to find programs on a particular subject, and don't forget that some scripts no longer have audio available (look for the links on the script page).

We will be extending this page in the future by adding new resources and ideas for teachers – so if you have an idea to share, please contact us!