EVALUATION OF THE FEDERAL ENGLISH TEXTBOOK OF GRADE ONE OF FEDERAL SCHOOLS IN PAKISTAN

Abstract

A textbook is a valuable resource that collects relevant information and knowledge. However, textbooks often have limitations, making textbook evaluation crucial to determine their effectiveness. Therefore, this research is an evaluation of federal English textbook of grade 1 used in schools under the federal directorate of education in Pakistan. The textbook is based on national education policy 2017-2025 and is approved by Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training, Government of Pakistan. The study aims to assess the content and pedagogy (by focusing on the content, vocabulary and grammar, and exercises and activities) and visual appeal of the textbook. The analysis is carried out qualitatively by adapting Miekley’s (2005) checklist to subjectively interpret the text. Convenience sampling is employed, with the first five units of the textbook selected for analysis to thoroughly examine the text. The findings of each element are labeled according to the terms used by Miekley (2005) as “Excellent”, “Good”, “Adequate”, “Poor”, or “Totally lacking”. The findings show that the textbook is excellent in relation to its content having organization, vocabulary and grammar having coherence and variety, and visual appeal as pleasing and aesthetic. However, the textbook’s content is poor in showing the target language culture, providing authentic samples of language, and in its exercises and activities, which fail to effectively promote interactivity and comprehension skills. Moreover, the content totally lacks real-life problems that could challenge students to reflect critically. The present research is significant because it can to assist educators as well as textbook developers to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the textbook.