ELT textbooks and materials: problems in evaluation and development

This frequently cited 1987 publication focuses on textbooks designed for use by English language learners, and dictionaries. A range of authors explore different theoretical and applied aspects of textbook production and evaluation. They discuss teaching materials from various perspectives, including those of learners, teachers, course designers, editors, reviewers and teacher trainers.

The 11 short chapters cover topics such as designing English as a foreign language coursebooks, testing, and criteria for selecting the most suitable materials for particular learners. Practical guidelines for the evaluation of purpose, content, and design of textbooks are included in the final two sections, along with thoughts on the constraints faced by publishers and those wishing to adapt materials.

This book is free to download below as a pdf file.

Research and insight

Browse fascinating case studies, research papers, publications and books by researchers and ELT experts from around the world.

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