An evaluation of an English as Second Language (ESL) Pakistani college textbook: Meeting the needs of the Pakistani students

Abstract

This study investigated how textbooks influence learning experiences and aims to highlight the pedagogical implications of the incorporation of materials as the backbone of language-teaching programme. It analysed and evaluated a prescribed textbook (“Prose and Heroes” – a Compulsory English course book for intermediate classes in Pakistan), and explored the degree it benefited and challenged both the learners and the teachers. The research project utilized both the teacher’s and the learner’s perspectives and was based on Dubin and Olshtain (1986) textbook evaluation model. The main purpose of this study was to arrive at conclusions that would contribute to the improvement of the English language programmes in Pakistani colleges. The results of this study show that the relevant textbook does not cater to the needs of the learners. The data also implied that more attention needs to be given to the English language textbooks being utilized in language programmes