The foreign language coursebook: a study of its role in learner motivation.
Year: 1990
Type: dissertation
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Motivation is the driving force behind successful learning. It is \nespecially crucial in a curriculum area such as foreign language \nstudy. This investigation aims to explore the motivational role of \nthe central teaching and learning resource used in schools - the \ncoursebook. \nThe opening Chapter reviews major theories of motivation and learning \nfrom behaviourism to cognitivism with the aim of establishing a \ntheoretical base. \nChapter Two examines mother tongue acquisition and foreign language \nlearning. Theories of both are discussed, compared and contrasted \nwith the emphasis on identifying compatible features. Key aspects of \nlearning theory and motivational factors related to foreign language \nlearning are presented. The motivational function of the teacher is \nreviewed with particular reference to the planning and management of \nlearning. \nThe role and the nature of the foreign language coursebook are \nreviewed and reappraised in Chapter Three. The main aim of this study \nis identified and, in the light of previous discussion of motivation \nand learning, an evaluation instrument for coursebooks is drawn up. \nChapters Four and Five report and discuss surveys of the views of \npupils and teachers on three widely-used coursebooks. Although \nreactions are generally positive, clear areas of unfulfilled need \nemerge, as do shortcomings in coursebooks' effectiveness in motivating \nlearners and promoting successful learning. A broad consensus of \nviews between the two groups is revealed. \nThe most popular coursebook of the 1980s is used as a case study in \nChapter Six. Application of evaluation criteria established earlier \nreveals some commendable features but a rather larger number which fail \nto generate motivation or promote effective learning. \nThe final Chapter sets an agenda for a reappraisal of coursebook \ndesign based both on findings of this study and on the impact of \nsweeping change and reform of the education system which will take \neffect in the 1990s.
Author: Anthony Vincent O'Sullivan
Language: English
Subfield: Language and Linguistics
Field: Arts and Humanities
Domain: Social Sciences
SDG: Quality education
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W119357874