Reading Matters: An Exploration of ELT textbooks in Sweden and their approach to reading
2016 (English) Independent thesis Basic level (professional degree), 10 credits / 15 HE credits
Student thesis
Abstract [en]
The present thesis investigates to what extent contemporary ELT textbooks include reading materials as well as what types of texts are being used and what reading strategies they seemingly promote. Additionally, the study analyzes whether there is a noticeable discrepancy in teaching materials designed for the vocational and university preparatory and considers whether the design of the current textbook is representative of the current view of reading as a teaching tool as reflected in official policy documents. Through the means of a content analysis of a total of six in use ELT textbooks, the study discovers that few ELT textbooks include a satisfactory amount of reading materials and that there is a significant discrepancy between teaching materials intended for the separate orientations of upper secondary school in Sweden. It is also discovered that the set of textbooks largely reflect the current view of language teaching. The study concludes that the current practice of language teaching is ill-suited to counter the development of declining reading literacy and suggests an alternative methodology in extensive reading.
Place, publisher, year, edition, pages 2016. , p. 33
Keywords [en]
extensive reading, reading, ELT textbooks, second language learning, second language acquisition, teaching methodology
National Category
Specific Literatures
Identifiers URN: urn:nbn:se:kau:diva-42912 OAI: oai:DiVA.org:kau-42912 DiVA, id: diva2:935950
Subject / course English
Educational program Secondary Education Programme: Upper-Secondary School: English (300 ECTS credits)
Presentation
2016-06-13, 11:24 (English)
Supervisors
Examiners
2016-06-142016-06-132016-06-14 Bibliographically approved