Chapter 11 How to use textbooks Harmer, J.(1998) How to teach English Longman I Different options for textbook use To omit the lesson To replace the textbook lesson with one of the teacher’s own To add to what is in the textbook To 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 textbooks Disadvantages of textbooks Boring & inappropriate lessons Lack of variety Collection of materials Advantages of textbooks Clarity, solid progression & attractiveness Consistent syllabus Well-chosen vocabulary Listening & reading materials including workbooks (helpful in case the teacher runs out of ideas) III How to choose textbooks 4-stage procedure Analysis Piloting Consultation Gathering opinions Analysis Looking through all of the books on offer Analyzing each book by answering questions on: prices, availability, layout & design, methodology, skills, syllabus, topic, stereotyping & teacher’s guide (page 118) Piloting The best way to find a book’s strengths & weaknesses Trying it out in a class or different groups of the same level in order to see which lesson works well and which one doesn’t Consultation Trying to find out if colleagues have used it before and how well they got on with it This discussion is helpful 4 Gathering opinions By getting opinions on the book from anyone, e.g The publisher Bookshop owners Colleagues Friends Students ... availability, layout & design, methodology, skills, syllabus, topic, stereotyping & teacher’s guide (page 118 ) Piloting The best way to find a book’s strengths & weaknesses Trying it out in a class