Materials (coursebook)

In class we talk about the materials and is important to know something about that. The term “coursebook” is used like a textbook, where the teacher and student have a copy and this element is like a base systematically for a language course.

Now I'm interested examining a real coursebook in accordance to criteria for coursebook assessment. The name of book is "Time for English" and it is used in 5th grade.

The examination has a list and I put note (scale from 0 to 7), where the 7 is a good result and the information is totally included in the coursebook and 0, where the result is null and the information is not included.

Criteria for coursebook assessment

Importance	Criterion
0	Objectives explicitly laid out in an introduction, and implemented in the material
6	Approach educationally and socially acceptable to target community.
7	Clear attractive layout; print  easy to read
7	Appropriate visual materials available.
7	Interesting topics and tasks.
7	Varied topics and tasks, so as to provide for different learner levels, learning styles, interests, etc.
7	Clear instructions.
5	Systematic coverage of syllabus.
7	Content clearly organized and graded (sequenced by difficulty)
0	Periodic review and test sections.
7	Plenty of authentic language.
5	Good pronunciation explanation and practice.
5	Good vocabulary explanation and practice.
5	Good grammar presentation and practice
5	Fluency practice in all four skills.
4	Encourages learners to develop own learning strategies and to become independent in their learning.
7	Adequate guidance for the teacher; not too heavy preparation load.
5	Audio cassettes.
7	Readily available locally.

 

Well, when we applying criteria with a this type of box, we learn more about what type of information is necessary for to understand clearly the topics... In this case, the textbook is worried in visuals elements, in grammar, that the content to be clear and organized. But in terms of objectives the book is not good, because this element is not explicitly laid and we know that this information is relevant for teacher and students.

Then, we think what important is the coursebook and the answer depends of the teacher and his teaching style. I think that the coursebook is necessary because thus we can have help in the case of programme (regulate and time the programme) and is important to have clear the aspects of the textbook that I work.

Then... I show you "supplementary materials"... see you!!

:)