Textbook evaluation: A reflection on the New Interchange Series

2012 IJRSLL – Volume 1 Issue 2

Author/s:

Soleimani, Hajar*
University of Isfahan, Iran (h_soleimani82@yahoo.com)

Dr. Dabbaghi, Azizollah
University of Isfahan, Iran (azzizollahd@hotmail.com)

Abstract:

The present study set out to evaluate the efficiency of the New Interchange course books in terms of providing sufficient and comprehensible pragmatic input for Iranian learners of English to fulfill their basic communicative needs based on the content of the books. The study also intended to evaluate the ability of Iranian learners of English in dealing with different speech situations. An oral discourse completion test, developed by the researcher, was administered to 50 students at upper intermediate level of proficiency who already finished the whole New Interchange Series (third edition). Descriptive statistical analyses revealed a high index of standard deviation which indicated a large disparity in pragmatic knowledge of students at the above mentioned level of proficiency. Also Since high achiever’s managed to respond to all speech situations using the information provided in their books, it was concluded that the books provided enough pragmatic input for language learners to deal with their basic communicative needs. Findings of the study pedagogically call for using EFL materials which provide sufficient pragmatic input for language learners.

Keywords: textbook evaluation; pragmatic competence; oral discourse completion test; New Interchange Series

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.5861/ijrsll.2012.v1i2.70

*Corresponding Author