Evaluation of Special English for the Students of Computer Textbook (SAMT Publications): Computer Students’ and ESP Teachers’ Perspective

مطالعات زبان و ترجمه

Article 2, Volume 51, Issue 3, October 2018, Pages 33-74   

Document Type: Research Article

DOI: 10.22067/lts.v51i3.78637

Authors

Hassan Soodmand Afshar^* ; Fateme Hafez

Department of English Language, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran

Abstract

ESP textbooks play a fundamental role in the success of language teaching programs. According to Sheldon (1988), textbooks are the pivotal element of English language teaching programs. Every textbook should be evaluated before use with regard to the specific needs of the students and the classroom. This study focuses on evaluating Special English for the Students of Computer published by SAMT from both the students’ and teachers’ viewpoints. The aim of the study was to evaluate whether this ESP (or Technical English Language) textbook taught in Iran for BA students of Computer satisfied students' objectives, needs, and wants from students’ and ESP teachers’ perspectives. Participants included three ESP teachers and 83 computer students who completed a Likert scale questionnaire, attended a semi-structured interview and were observed. The results of the analysis indicated that there was no significant difference between the students' and teachers' views regarding practical concern, subject matter, skills and strategies, exercises, design and content of the book. Their overall view was that the textbook, in spite of having certain merits, focused mainly on reading skills and overlooked other skills and sub-skills including speaking and grammatical structure.

Keywords

Computer; Evaluation; SAMT Publication; Special English for the Students of Computer; Students; Teachers

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