Offers arguments for the use of published textbook material as a basis on which to mold the unpredictable interactions necessary to classroom language learning. Suggests that textbooks are useful for orientation and independent study and describes the gradual process of replacement by which new textbook materials evolve. (Author/MES)

An examination of texts, experience, and learning theories supports the use of two different kinds of exercises in language instruction. Those giving practice in language manipulation help in acquisition, and those helping students with understanding develop an awareness that is used later to aid learning. (MSE)

Reports on a teacher-education project in which English-as-a-Second-Language teachers from five community-based organizations in Chicago developed a textbook about immigrant rights in the United States. The process not only produced significant course materials, but it also changed teachers' understanding of their classes, students, and teaching…

Discusses ways of introducing literature into elementary and intermediate courses and gives some examples of classroom exercises. Collaboration between literature specialists and language textbook authors in preparing instructional materials will make it possible to introduce authentic samples of literature and to combine reading, writing, and…

Discusses the problem of finding appropriate communication and grammar texts for English-as-a-second-language (ESL) business students. Notes that texts do exist; however, more needs to be done before English characteristics of business can be adequately presented to ESL students. Provides lists of available texts. (PD)

The current textbook series used in the compulsory cycle's English instruction has been the subject of much criticism, including the suggestions that it is too structurally oriented, contains little interesting or motivating material, has little functional or communicative content, is not Jordanianized but has only a surface Jordanian element, is…

Simplification of reading materials for lower-level English for special purposes (ESP) instruction may make texts comprehensible, but it may not make them much different from texts written 50 years ago. What will make them different is their authenticity, an approach characteristic of ESP, even at the lowest levels. However, authenticity is often…

A discussion of the role of English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) textbooks in Hong Kong schools is examined first in social and historical contexts and then within the framework of a newly revised public school curriculum. The textbook is first viewed from three perspectives: curricular (socio-political); instructional (as an educational tool); and…