Coursebook

Coursebook analysis: 8º Travelers

1. Objectives explicitly laid out in an introduction, and implemented in the material. (7.0)

They are shown at the beginning of the book and at the start of each unit

2. Approach educationally and socially acceptable to target community. (6.0)

It’s acceptable because it’s a Chilean book and it contains lots of material related to Chile, so it’s nothing different to the reality of the students.

3. Clear attractive layout; print easy to read. (6.0)

The print is pretty readable; the layout is ok, nothing spectacular, but also not too bad.

4. Appropriate visual materials available. (7.0)

It contains lots of pictures and visual exercises for the students to do.

5. Interesting topics and tasks. (6.0)

This book was published last year, so the topics are of current events, which capture the attention of the students a bit better.

6. Varied topics and tasks, so as to provide for different learner levels, learning styles, interests, etc. (7.0)

It has different topics in each unit that are related to their lives and includes activities that strengthen the four basic skills.

7. Clear instructions. (7.0)

I see clear instructions for the teachers; it’s very detailed in that sense. As for the students, the instructions are basic but clear and right to the point.

8. Systematic coverage of syllabus. (7.0)

It covers the syllabus because it provides a suggested year planning and all the objectives of each unit.

9. Content clearly organized and graded. (5.0)

It’s not organized according to difficulty, but based on a general topic, in which the content lies inside of it.

10. Periodic review and test sections. (6.0)

I wasn’t able to find a periodic review of the material, but I did find various “mini tests” in each unit.

11. Plenty of authentic language. (7.0)

This book contains plenty of authentic language, it includes various sayings and types of informal conversations.

12. Good pronunciation explanation and practice. (6.0)

There isn’t much explanation, but there is a lot of practice. It includes activities of repetition and dialogue.

13. Good vocabulary explanation and practice. (7.0)

It includes various examples of vocabulary in the units, showing the translation in Spanish and giving lots of exercises.

14. Good grammar presentation and practice. (5.0)

It focuses more on listening and vocabulary activities, leaving grammar a bit behind. There are grammar activities, just not as many.

15. Fluency practice in all four skills. (7.0)

It has activities based on all four skills; it even shows the objectives of them in the beginning of the unit.

16. Encourages learners to develop own learning strategies and to become independent in their learning. (6.0)

I believe the book accomplishes this, I can’t be 100% sure, because it depends on the student as well. But, it looks pretty entertaining and motivating, and not as dull as Headway.

17. Adequate guidance for the teacher, not too heavy preparation load. (7.0)

It’s extremely adequate; it has the objectives of each units, various exercises and even suggested planning for the year.

18. Audio cassettes. (7.0)

Since we are in the 21st century, can we say audio CD’s?

19. Readily available locally. (5.0)

I wasn’t able to find a downloadable version online, but since it’s a book used by the ministry of education, I believe it should be given out for free.