Using newspapers in teaching English as a second language

Abstract

Language can be read, written, spoken, and used to teach and establish relationships as well as develop ourselves and our societies. In Nigeria, English language is used to play these and many other roles. As a result, its proper teaching and learning become mandatory not only to achieve the myopic aim of passing examinations but to communicate properly at national and international levels. These can be achieved right from the classroom and at the teacher's resourcefulness in teaching. This paper aims to encourage resourcefulness in teaching English language by highlighting the importance of using newspapers to develop the speaking, reading and writing skills of learners. The paper contains language learning activities using newspapers to teach learners at elementary, intermediate, and advanced levels. At these levels, newspapers can be cut, marked, clipped, pasted, filed and recycled. Discussions can be organized in class based on the articles in the newspapers. The paper offers recommendations that would improve the teaching and learning of English in general and the use of newspapers in teaching and learning English language in particular.