Textbook Evaluation : Making Connections between SLA Theory and Practice

Abstract

Effective assessment of teaching materials is a key task for every concerned pedagogue. This paper evaluates one unit from four noted ESL textbooks, covering the four principal language skills: reading, writing, listening and speaking. A key criterion for this textbook evaluation is taken from the Whole Language Approach: A communicative interactive framework allows for a focus on any one particular skill, but not without overall integration of the four skills within a comprehensive curriculum. It affirms that pedagogical materials should be enlightened by findings from SLA research and should promote meaningful interactions. Suggestions are made about improvements of reviewed texts. In this way, the reader is given a clear idea of how theories, research and instructional principles can be applied effectively in the formulation and use of classroom materials.