The coursebook debate: reading

To prepare for this session, take a look at these posts and articles which take a position on the coursebook-driven methodology that dominates English language teaching in many parts of the world, both for young learners and adults. Try to read a selection from each side and follow up references if you can.

You can keep track of your reading by dragging each reference to the right when you’ve read it.

Against coursebooks

For coursebooks

Optional reading and listening

If possible, see the resources below. Unfortunately, the ELTJ articles may be behind a paywall unless you have an individual or institutional subscription.

• The SLB podcast on the coursebook debate
• Jordan, G., & Gray, H. (2019). We need to talk about coursebooks. ELT Journal, 73(4), 438–446. https://doi.org/10.1093/elt/ccz038
• Hughes, S. H. (2019). Coursebooks: Is there more than meets the eye? ELT Journal, 73(4), 447–455. https://doi.org/10.1093/elt/ccz040
• Jordan, G. (2019). A response to Hughes. ELT Journal, 73(4), 456–458. https://doi.org/10.1093/elt/ccz039