A Thorough Scrutiny of ELT Textbook Evaluations: A Review Inquiry

Abstract

It is thoroughly agreed that English language textbooks stand amongst the foremost components in any language classrooms worldwide, being referred to as valid, beneficial and labor-saving tools to fulfill an extensive range of needs. An ELT textbook is not merely a set of sheets of paper fastened together to hinge at one side, but is the beating heart of any education system whereupon the whole learning revolves. Notwithstanding their interminable benefits, it is admitted that still the compiled textbooks, especially the ones prescribed in Educational systems have to be evaluated and assessed to confirm whether they fulfil the objectives they are meant for or not, as it is said no perfect textbook exists. Having dealt with evaluation in general, this research meticulously elaborates on textbook evaluation more specifically concluding that there is a dearth of inquiry on textbook selection and evaluation. Afterwards, this research introduces the most common approaches for evaluating ELT textbooks and materials. The paper culminates with concluding remarks and implications, hoping to shed light on how textbook evaluation is practiced worldwide.

The Functions and Features of ELT Textbooks and Textbook Analysis: A Concise Review

“…Sheldon’s conceptualization echoed O’Neil (1982) who viewed the textbook as an instrument that supported the teaching process. More recent textbook analyses such as Gholami et al (2017) would cite Sheldon and O’Neil in relation to the expectation that ELT products support proficiency attainment. ELT textbooks, in other words, have been viewed as professionally published materials, that support the language learning experience through (1) the language input they provide, (2) the activities that leverage this input, and (3) the curriculum planning that involves the organization of the input and corresponding activities (McGrath, 2002; Miller, 2011; Ur, 1996; Wong, 2017).…”

Developing Criteria of an English Textbook Evaluation for Indonesian Senior High School

“…This idea confirms the previous research by Roberts et al (2020) who state that researchers need to explore the criteria of EFL textbooks to assist teachers in enhancing the quality of teaching process and procedures. In addition, Gholami et al (2017) have emphasized that developing the textbook evaluation becomes a mandatory process by language experts. Similarly, Nursyahrifa et al (2019) report that developing a textbook evaluation is essential to achieve curriculum objectives.…”

Evaluation of Suitability of a Listening Textbook for English Majors in Universities of China

“…Some evaluated textbooks to find out how the exercises can cater for the syllabus and learners' needs (McDough & Shaw 1993;Cunningsworth, 1995), to identify merits and demerits in certain textbooks being in use (Cunningsworth, 1995), and to conduct an action research (Tomlinson, 1996); Some evaluated textbooks to detect whether they accomplish the aim of conveying the knowledge (Najafi Sarem et al, 2013), to identify textbooks productivity and value as regards the aims, principles or norms (Salehi, Khadivar, Babaee, &Singh, 2015); Some examined the suitability regarding students' needs, teaching objectives and teachers' methodology in a given context (Hanifa, 2018). After all, any kind of evaluation should serve the betterment of learning outcome (Gholami et al 2017).…”