Investigating the effectiveness of the reading materials in an English language coursebook: A Case from Turkey

Year 2017, Volume: 4 Issue: 2, 9 - 27, 27.11.2017

Hulya Gir Korkmaz Enisa Mede

https://doi.org/10.21666/muefd.304280

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the reading
materials in the Speakout coursebook used as an instructional material for EFL learners
enrolled in a language preparatory program in Turkey. Specifically, the reading
materials were examined in terms of text appropriateness, purpose of the
materials, learner needs and vocabulary development taking emphasizing the
perceptions and experiences of the Turkish EFL instructors. The participants of
this study were 163 EFL instructors working at a foundation (non-profit,
private) university in Istanbul, Turkey. The data was collected from a
questionnaire, reflective essays and stimulated recall protocols. The findings
revealed that the reading materials were satisfying in relation to length,
level of the texts along with authenticity and introduction of target culture;
however, certain modifications with regard to topics, genre, visuals,
strategies, activities and word recycle were required to be addressed more
closely. Based on the gathered findings, the reading materials were adapted in
the existing program.

Keywords

coursebook evaluation, reading materials, teachers’ perceptions, English as a foreign language (EFL)

İngilizce Ders Kitabındaki Okuma Materyallerinin Etkililiğinin Araştırılması: Türkiye'den bir Örnek

Abstract

Bu çalışmanın
amacı, Türkiye’nin yabancı dil hazırlık programlarında, orta seviyede ingilizce
yeterliliğine sahip öğrenciler için eğitim materyali olarak kullanılan Speakout
ders kitabındaki okuma materyallerinin etkililiğini incelemektir. Okuma
materyalleri özellikle metinlerin seviyeye uygunluk düzeyi, amaçları, öğrenci
gereksinimleri ve kelime gelişimi açısından ele alınmıştır. Bu çalışmaya
İstanbul’da özel bir üniversitede çalışmakta olan, yabancı dil olarak İngilizce
öğreten 60 öğretim üyesi katılmıştır ve veriler bu kişilere uygulanan anketler,
yansıtıcı metinler ve sesli düşünme tekniği ile toplanmıştır. Bulgular okuma
materyallerinin uzunluğu, seviyesi, gerçekliğe uygunluğu ve erek kültürün
tanıtımı açısından etkili olduğunu ancak hala konu, çeşit, görseller, okuma
stratejileri, aktiviteler ve kelime tanıma ile ilgili bazı değişikliklere
değinilmesi gerektiğini vurgulamıştır. Çalışma ayrıca ders kitabı
değerlendirmesinde dikkate alınması gereken bazı pedagojik öneriler sunmaktadır

Keywords

ders kitabı değerlendirmesi, okuma materyalleri, öğretim üyelerinin görüşleriı, yabancı dil olarak İngilizce öğretimi

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