A Quantitative and Qualitative Analysis on the Continuity of the Reading Sections in Elementary and Middle School English Textbooks
Year: 2023
Type: article
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to analyze the continuity of reading sections from 5th grade to 2nd year in middle school English textbooks and find improvement measures for the future development of textbooks. A total of 20 English textbooks (five types for each grade) were analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively for this research. For quantitative analysis, Text Inspector was used to calculate indicators related to sentences, vocabulary, syllables, and readability. Additionally, t-tests were conducted for each adjacent grade to determine the degree of continuity. The results of the data analysis revealed that the differences between the 6th grade and 1st year in middle school, in terms of quantitative-related indicators, were significantly greater than those of other adjacent grades. This suggests that guidance on the appropriate number of sentences, syllables, and readability level should be provided in the textbook development process. In the qualitative analysis of the reading procedures and learning activities, familiar content was found to be repeatedly and extensively presented, ensuring some continuity. However, since grammar learning is a new area in the first year of middle school, addressing basic grammar in the 6th grade will help improve continuity. Based on the analysis of the results, this study provides implications for the development of English textbooks and suggestions for follow-up research.
Author: In-Ok Kim
Language: English
Subfield: Language and Linguistics
Field: Arts and Humanities
Domain: Social Sciences
SDG: Quality education
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4386052654