Exploring Textbook Features

Macalister and Nation highlight “the importance of having a flexible approach to the use of a course book and of choosing a course book which allows for flexibility” (2019, p. 182). In this section, we encourage you to thoroughly examine the features of your current textbook. By identifying its strengths and weaknesses, you can prioritize critical criteria when adapting or selecting a textbook that aligns with your program’s needs. Click on each area for guiding questions to consider. You can also use this evaluation rubric to support informed and effective decision-making.

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Textbook Approach

  • Is the textbook’s pedagogical approach clearly defined and aligned with your curriculum goals and learning objectives?
  • Does it support accepted second language acquisition principles such as active learning, student-centered instruction, meaningful and authentic language use, and/or proficiency development per your curriculum objectives?
  • Does the pedagogical approach offer enough flexibility to accommodate different teaching styles while remaining consistent with the program's broader goals?

Scope and Sequence

  • Are the textbook’s chapters structured in a logical sequence? Does the chapter pacing align with your academic calendar?
  • Do the chapters follow a logical progression that builds upon prior knowledge and skills, or do you find gaps or redundancies?
  • Does the textbook offer well-structured materials and a detailed exploration of topics to meet the diverse needs of your language program, particularly in addressing varied learning outcomes across different sections or levels?

Linguistic Features and Cultural Content

  • Does the textbook effectively develop students' interpersonal, presentational, and interpretive communication skills?
  • Does it provide adequate linguistic support (grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation) to reinforce these communication skills?
  • Does the textbook present real-world contexts and meaningful language use that reflect how the language is used in contemporary societies?
  • Are the cultural perspectives presented in the textbook diverse, inclusive, and representative of a wide array of experiences from different regions where the language is spoken? Is the point of view balanced and reflective of the program's intercultural goals?

Platform and Physical Attributes

  • What supplementary tools (e.g., teacher guide, practice exercises, assessment tools) are available? Do they adequately support instructors and potentially reduce their workload?
  • Assess the textbook’s technological features, such as its digital platform and online resources (if available). Are these features interactive, engaging, and accessible for both students and teachers?
  • Is the textbook easy to navigate for both instructors and students? Does it provide clear guidance for first-time users, and is the digital platform/e-book interface (if available) intuitive?

Integration into Learning Management Systems (LMS)

  • Is the textbook compatible with your learning management system (LMS)? Will its resources (e.g., quizzes, practice exercises) easily integrate into your course’s digital environment?
  • Is there seamless integration with grading systems to reduce administrative tasks? For example, are quiz scores and assignments automatically populated into the LMS grade book?

Publisher Representation

  • Is the publisher known for high quality, reliable resources and responsive customer service?
  • What is the nature of your relationship with the publisher’s representative? Do they provide personalized assistance, updates, and troubleshooting when necessary?
  • Are there regular updates to the textbook and materials, ensuring that the content remains current and relevant?

Economic Factors

  • Does the price of the textbook package align with your program’s budget and students’ financial needs?
  • Does the publisher offer any flexibility in pricing that could benefit your program? For instance, are there institutional discounts, free access codes, or reduced prices for multi-section courses?
  • If your institution is large, are there opportunities to negotiate bulk pricing or access to open educational resources (OERs) to minimize student costs?

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