What is it about?
This review discusses the book's value in its approach to draw on research to discuss the relevance of designing and delivering effective materials for language learning. The book focuses largely on the design and implementation of coursebooks in language teaching and learning. However, it is less about how to use coursebooks, though there are some helpful ideas, but more an argument to rethink the value of coursebooks, especially for more skeptical educators. The review discusses the book’s usefulness as a resource for all teachers and teacher educators who seek a deeper understanding of materials development. Teaching in EFL/ESL contexts presents many challenges, largely because each context is unique. This book provides a firm foundation in the area of materials development upon which further research and discussions can contribute to effective teaching practice.
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Why is it important?
Among many of its useful chapters providing guidance on materials development, McGrath makes a convincing argument that TESOL educators need to spend more time focusing on teaching approaches specific to textbook use in the language classroom.
Perspectives
While I have been a self-trained materials designer and developer in the TESOL field for nearly 20 years, the book provided a great deal of confirmation of what I was doing to be effective, but also some refreshing insights into areas that I had limited knowledge.
Dr Mark P Fraser
University of Wollongong
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: I. McGrath, Teaching materials and the roles of EFL/ESL teachers: Practice and theory , Australian Review of Applied Linguistics, December 2016, John Benjamins,
DOI: 10.1075/aral.39.3.07mcg.
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