An evaluation of the secondary school textbook English For Today (class IX-X) in Bangladesh

Abstract

This study examines the role of the textbook English for Today in the context of teaching English in Bangladesh, specifically at the secondary school level (Class IX-X). Textbooks is one of the important elements in teaching, especially in developing countries where resources are difficult to obtain and often teachers are not trained enough to adopt suitable teaching materials. Textbooks are also considered essential for teaching in such contexts as these are systematic, easy to obtain both by teachers and students, developed and reviewed by the experts, publish nationally and aligned with the national test. However, adopting a suitable textbook, that offer ample learning opportunities and that are attractive to students and teachers, is very important. This study, qualitative in nature, critically evaluate the textbook English for Today (Class IX-X). An evaluation criteria based on the published research of Garinger, 2000 & Miekley 2005 is used to evaluate this textbook. This is supplemented by teachers’ and students’ opinion. Based on the data I provide a holistic picture of this widely used textbook. Finally I expect that this study will work as a guideline to make use of the full potential of a good textbook, which will ultimately help teachers and learners at the secondary schools in Bangladesh.