A Situational Analysis of EFL Textbook Selection in Thai Public Schools

Authors

  • Niwat Wuttisrisiriporn Burapha University, Thailand https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7440-7490
  • Napanit Vinitchevit Language Institute, Burapha University, Thailand
  • Siriluck Usaha Language Institute, Burapha University, Thailand

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.24256/itj.v2i2.1247

Keywords:

EFL textbook, situational analysis, textbook evaluation, Thai public schools

Abstract

It is undeniable that a textbook is a useful resource for teaching and learning. In English language education, especially in EFL countries, EFL teachers use a suitable EFL textbook to facilitate student learning. The present study, therefore, presents the current situation of how EFL textbooks are chosen as a core material in Thai public schools. An online questionnaire was distributed to 30 participants, who were English language teachers working at Thai public schools under the Office of the Basic Education Commission (OBEC). Interviews were also conducted to elicit more data from some of the participants. The findings of the study reveal that an EFL textbook is chosen based on whether it follows the Basic Education Core Curriculum, the textbook content, the textbook quality approval from the Ministry of Education, and price. However, the analysis shows that a systematic evaluation of an EFL textbook is not undertaken before the textbook is used, which can affect the teaching and learning outcomes in an EFL classroom. This paper proposes some recommendations regarding textbook evaluation criteria for those who are in charge of selecting a proper EFL textbook so that they can systematically evaluate and choose a practical textbook for their EFL classroom. It is also hoped to raise Thai EFL teachers’ awareness of the need for a proper textbook evaluation to be undertaken before a textbook is used in an EFL classroom.

Author Biographies

Niwat Wuttisrisiriporn, Burapha University

Niwat Wuttisrisiriporn is a lecturer of English at the Language Institute, Burapha University, Thailand. He is now undertaking a PhD in Applied Linguistics at Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand. His research interests include second language writing, vocabulary teaching and learning, English corpus linguistics, and ESP.

Napanit Vinitchevit, Language Institute, Burapha University

Napanit Vinitchevit is a lecturer of Chinese and English at the Language Institute, Burapha University, Thailand. She completed her BA in Chinese from the Faculty of Arts, Chulalongkorn University, Thailand. She also earned her MA in Chinese Studies from the University of Edinburgh, UK. Her research interests are in Chinese language teaching, Chinese studies, and language education.

Siriluck Usaha, Language Institute, Burapha University

Siriluck Usaha is an Assistant Professor in Applied Linguistics. She has a PhD in Education from Southern Illinois University Carbondale, USA. Her research interests involve second language writing, language testing and assessment, and teaching methodologies.

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Published

2020-10-28

Issue

Vol. 2 No. 2 (2020): Indonesian TESOL Journal (October)

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