Evaluating the English Textbook for the 6th Stage of Preparatory and Secondary Schools

Abstract

Although textbooks maintain an important role in the EFL context, their sovereignty on teaching has been challenged and the belief that teachers can blindly rely on them has been questioned. Textbook evaluation has become a necessary practice in the field of teaching, seeking to assist in the choice of the best suitable book for a specific context, promote teachers’ awareness on the actual contents of a book and facilitate them to make necessary adaptations. The present study investigated the suitability of the textbook used for 6^th stage of preparatory and secondary schools. The results of the study suggested that the strengths of the book could be identified in areas of organization, thematic content and inclusion of all the language skills. However, the problematic areas related to authentic language, integration of skills, nature of tasks and materials for assessment. We need to evaluate textbooks for helping the teacher or program developer in making decisions on selecting the appropriate textbook. Furthermore, evaluation of the merits and demerits of a textbook will familiarize the teacher with its probable weaknesses and strengths. This will enable teachers to make appropriate adaptations to the material in their future instruction.