Chapter 11: How to use textbooks

Chapter 11How to use textbooksHarmer, J.(1998). How to teach English. LongmanI. Different options for textbook useTo omit the lessonTo replace the textbook lesson with one of the teacher’s ownTo add to what is in the textbookTo adapt what is in the textbook (using the material but doing it in the teacher’s own style  Using textbooks creatively: one of the premier teaching skills II. Reasons for using textbooksDisadvantages of textbooksBoring & inappropriate lessonsLack of varietyCollection of materials Advantages of textbooksClarity, solid progression & attractivenessConsistent syllabusWell-chosen vocabularyListening & reading materials including workbooks (helpful in case the teacher runs out of ideas) III. How to choose textbooks4-stage procedure Analysis Piloting Consultation Gathering opinions1. AnalysisLooking through all of the books on offerAnalyzing each book by answering questions on: prices, availability, layout & design, methodology, skills, syllabus, topic, stereotyping & teacher’s guide (page 118) 2. PilotingThe best way to find a book’s strengths & weaknessesTrying it out in a class or different groups of the same level in order to see which lesson works well and which one doesn’t3. ConsultationTrying to find out if colleagues have used it before and how well they got on with it This discussion is helpful.4. Gathering opinionsBy getting opinions on the book from anyone, e.g.The publisherBookshop ownersColleaguesFriendsStudents