An Evaluation of English Textbook Grade-VIII at Elementary Level Prescribed by Punjab Textbook Board, Lahore

Abstract

This study capaciously investigated the analysis of English textbook at the elementary level in Pakistan. The textbook evaluation was the process of scooping out significance or worth by careful appraisal and study. The textbook was a key component in English language programs. Despite their important role, textbooks were not always professionally designed. They did not fit the curriculum and closely corresponded with the aims of the teaching program and the needs of the students. The target population for the research was all the public elementary schools of district Toba Tek Singh. Out of four tehsils of Toba Tek Singh, ten schools (five boys and five girls) were chosen from each tehsil through random sampling. Furthermore, four teachers from each school were selected randomly. Thus, the sample comprised 160 teachers. As a tool of research, a questionnaire was developed by the researcher and validated through experts’ opinions. The critical inquiry was made of the proposed syllabus for the said textbook. The views of textbook users were analyzed, and evaluation was executed in an exhaustive manner. Data collected from the questionnaire were analyzed using descriptive statistics through SPSS 18.0 version. After data analysis, various shortcomings in the textbook were found, and suggestions and recommendations were made for further improvement. A number of respondents believe that topics related to women, patriotism, national heroes, cultural festivals, stress, intonation, and phonology are not included in the textbook. These topics may be included to make the book to make it up-to-date according to the National Curriculum 2006.