ELT TEXTBOOK PROS AND CONS IN EFL ENVIRONMENT: HOW TEACHERS SHOULD MAKE A DECISION

Abstract

The use of textbook in the EFL classroom play a very crucial role for both teachers and students as textbook is the main source to learn English. In Indonesia, the use of textbook cannot be denied because it provides a resource, a source of activities, a reference, a syllabus, a great support for inexperienced teachers, and serve as a source for self-directed learning or self-access work (Cunningsworth, 1995). Even though textbook has many advantages, still some theorist believe that textbook has more shortcomings that affects the teaching and learning English. The pros and cons on the use of ELT textbook have lead confusion for the teachers in making decision. This paper has a purpose to meticulously review the advantages and disadvantages on the use of textbook in the ELT, the pros and the cons among the experts, and provide suggestions for the teachers in using the textbook for their teaching and learning.