A CRITICAL EXAMINATION OF CONVERSATION TEXTBOOKS FOR UNDERGRADUATES: AN-NAJAH NATIONAL UNIVERSITY PERSPECTIVE

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.12191341

Authors

  • Rana S. Khader Department of Education and Teacher Training, College of Education and Teacher Training, An-Najah National, University, Nablus, Palestine.
  • Mahmoud A. Ibrahim Department of Education and Teacher Training, College of Education and Teacher Training, An-Najah National, University, Nablus, Palestine.

Keywords:

Conversation skills, , English textbook analysis, undergraduate education, learning dispositions, , interactive activities

Abstract

Teaching conversation skills presents challenges for educators, requiring careful selection of textbooks that align with learners' diverse needs and learning styles. This study proposes a systematic analysis framework for evaluating the content of an English conversation textbook used by second-year undergraduate students at An-Najah National University. The analysis focuses on five key criteria: topic consistency, frequency of drill exercises, syllabus type, self-expressive activities, and appropriateness of language use. These criteria aim to assess the textbook's effectiveness in facilitating oral communication skills development based on various learning dispositions. The findings reveal shortcomings in the analyzed conversation textbook, particularly in its lack of creative and interactive activities. Furthermore, the study identifies insufficient exercises that promote natural and authentic language practice. As a recommendation, the study advocates for the integration of role-playing and problem-solving activities in future conversation textbook designs. These enhancements are expected to enhance student engagement, motivation, and proficiency in spoken English.

Published

2024-06-20

How to Cite

Khader , R. S., & Ibrahim, M. A. (2024). A CRITICAL EXAMINATION OF CONVERSATION TEXTBOOKS FOR UNDERGRADUATES: AN-NAJAH NATIONAL UNIVERSITY PERSPECTIVE. Interdisciplinary Journal of Linguistics, Marketing and Communication (IJLMC), 11(2), 17–24. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.12191341

Issue

Section

Original Peer Review Articles

References

Akutsu, Y. (2006). Request strategies in “Oral Communication A” textbooks. The Economic Journal of Takasaki City University of Economics, 48(3), 135-149.

Bailey, K. M. (2005). Practical English language teaching: Speaking. New York: McGraw-Hill.

Faculty of Arts. (2004). Undergraduate Catalog. Nakhon Pathom: Silpakorn University Press.

Basturkmen, H. (2010). Developing courses in English for specific purposes. New York: Palgrave Macmillan.

Byrd, P., & Schuemann, C. (2014). English as a second/foreign language textbook: How to choose them how to use them. In D. M. Brinton, M. Celce-Murcia, & M. A. Snow (Eds.), Teaching English as a second or foreign language (pp. 380-393). Boston, MA: Heinle Cengage Learning.

Cerezo, A. (200 ). Investigación sobre las directrices curriculares relativas a la enseñanza de la lengua inglesa y su aplicación en el aula (1º de bachillerato) [Doctoral Dissertation, University of Murcia, Spain]. Retrieved from http://www.tesisenred.net/TDR-0114109-114314

Ellif, A., & Maarof, N. (2011). Oral communicative activities in the Saudi third-year secondary EFL textbooks. Advances in Language and Literary Studies, 2(1), 7-17.

Ellis, R., & Ellis, R. (1994). The study of second language acquisition. Oxford University Press.

Fukuta, J., Tamura, Y., & Kurita, A. (2017). Analysis of oral communication-oriented activities in junior high school textbooks: Focusing on task criteria proposed by second language research. JALT Journal, 36(2), 165-182.

Gibson, G. (2004). Facilitating English conversation development in large classrooms. The Internet TESL Journal, 10(9), 11-26.

Goh, C. (2007). Teaching speaking in the language classroom. Singapore City: SEAMEO Regional Language Centre.

Gómez-Rodríguez, F. (2010). English textbooks for teaching and learning English as a foreign language: Do they help to develop communicative competence? Education and Educators, 13(3), 327-346.

Graves, K. (2000). Designing language courses: A guide for teachers. Boston: Heinle Cengage Learning.

Littlewood, W. (2007). Communicative and task-based language teaching in East Asian classrooms. Language Teaching, 40(3), 243-249.

Milova, Y. (2015). Teaching conversation in English language classroom: Conversational techniques. Освітологічний дискурс, 2(10), 2312-5829.

Minh, T. (2007). Textbook evaluation: The case of English textbooks currently in use in Vietnam’s upper-secondary schools. College of Foreign Languages Vietnam National University, Hanoi.

Raba, A. (200 ). Analyzing “English for Palestine IV” in terms of the characteristics of a good English textbook. The Islamic University Journal, 15(1), 663-690.

Romney, C., & Holsworth, M. (2016). The textbook selection and evaluation process for an intermediate-level English oral communication course.

Sze, P. (1995). Teaching conversation in the second language classroom: Problems and prospects. Education Journal-Hong Kong, Chinese University of Hong Kong, 23(2), 229-250.

Ur, P. (2012). A course in English language teaching (2nd ed.). Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.