Back then teachers believed that textbook was the classroom bible, the only source of reference in order to teach in the classroom. At one point, it is even considered awkward not to bring a textbook inside the classroom, showing its importance as if on par with our lesson plan.
Today, new teaching methods emerged. There are many strategies involved that are learner-centred. Learner-centred activities require chunks of materials. Thus, textbooks are thought to be part of those materials and are considered less important. Sometimes, the observing officers even reminded us to avoid using textbook at all cost during an observation. We can only adapt and make materials from the textbook. Textbooks are evil.
Are they really? Not necessarily. From what I have gathered from facebook, textbook (in my case, CEFR aligned coursework) is still used to ensure that the whole nation teaches more or less the same. However, the content of the textbook we are currently using are not be as jam-packed as its predecessor. Thus, we have to adapt and make more materials to complement our lessons.
Meanwhile, the textbook is still relevant to the point of becoming a national attention due to its controversial content. From this point of view textbooks *are* evil for 'contaminating' the minds of young children. Even if some teachers can avoid or elaborate on this content, the writing is still there.
So, should we avoid textbook entirely? To me, this should not be the case. Textbook is only a teaching tool. However, it forms the basis of what we can do to teach in the classroom. The nature of the textbook should be teacher and pupil friendly. You can have engaging activities from the textbook. You can have learner-centred activities with the textbook. They are just like computers, projectors and your flash cards. In a nutshell, it is still important!
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Today, new teaching methods emerged. There are many strategies involved that are learner-centred. Learner-centred activities require chunks of materials. Thus, textbooks are thought to be part of those materials and are considered less important. Sometimes, the observing officers even reminded us to avoid using textbook at all cost during an observation. We can only adapt and make materials from the textbook. Textbooks are evil.
Are they really? Not necessarily. From what I have gathered from facebook, textbook (in my case, CEFR aligned coursework) is still used to ensure that the whole nation teaches more or less the same. However, the content of the textbook we are currently using are not be as jam-packed as its predecessor. Thus, we have to adapt and make more materials to complement our lessons.
Meanwhile, the textbook is still relevant to the point of becoming a national attention due to its controversial content. From this point of view textbooks *are* evil for 'contaminating' the minds of young children. Even if some teachers can avoid or elaborate on this content, the writing is still there.
So, should we avoid textbook entirely? To me, this should not be the case. Textbook is only a teaching tool. However, it forms the basis of what we can do to teach in the classroom. The nature of the textbook should be teacher and pupil friendly. You can have engaging activities from the textbook. You can have learner-centred activities with the textbook. They are just like computers, projectors and your flash cards. In a nutshell, it is still important!
