research paper 1

« People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research Batna 2 University Faculty of Foreign Languages Department of English Abstract In educational contexts , the textbook provide teachers with a fundamental framework that directs lesson planning and guarantees a systematic method for teaching and learning , it is used as a valuable source for expanding vocabulary in a foreign language .

This research paper aims at evaluating vocabulary presented in "My book of English middle school year four " , and seeks to cover the following questions : to what extent vocabulary presented in the textbook fits students' level ? And whether the activities are suitable to ensure developing pupils ' vocabulary learning? To collect the required data for this investigation we relied on an analysis grade (Cunningsworth , and Daoud and Celce-Murcia ELT Textbook Evaluation Checklist) in analysis of vocabulary presentated in three sequences of the textbook , and a questionnaire which was adressed to Middle school teachers of English in the region Batna , that was answered by only 5 among the entire sample of the study that was 10 of them , In this investigation, the obtained results provided a comprehensive overview about the quality of vocabulary presentated in this textbook , despite its weakness and the features it lacks, it aligns seamlessly with the learners' proficiency level, striking a harmonious balance between the level of difficulty and the level of comprehension to ensure an optimal and engaging educational experience. Key word : Textbook , evaluation, vocabulary. Introduction Textbooks are a fundamental component of the language learning process because they provide a solid and thorough basis for developing a strong vocabulary in a foreign language. For this reason, this structured resource not only introduces key terms but also explains how to utilize them in relation to grammar and specific cultural factors., according to Theodore Richard (2012:1) “[Textbooks] serve as the basis for much of the language input learners receive and the language practice that occurs in the classroom ”. The textbook remains the most useful resource for both teachers and students mainly in terms of vocabulary that is considered the core component and a fundamental building block of any language. Middle school teachers , and pupils' parents complaints about the inadequacy of vocabulary in textbooks for learners' proficiency levels are valid concerns that inspired and encouraged us to conduct this evaluative study, since inadequately and poorly selected vocabulary could have an effect on language acquisition and comprehension abilities, and may hinder students' ability to grasp and apply concepts. This study aims at evaluating vocabulary introduced in "My book of English middle school year four " , as far as the focus of this study is concerned , we tried to answer the following questions : to what extent vocabulary presented in the textbook fits students' level ? And whether the activities are suitable to ensure developing pupils ' vocabulary learning? This study can provide a valuable contribution in the field of teaching , mainly for instructors and curriculum designers to evaluate how words offered are relevant, varied, and supportive of language acquisition and learning as well as that the materials are created to meet the unique needs of a wide range of learners how effectively the terminology in the textbook is conveyed. In the interest of transparency , it is important to acknowledge about our research limitations which are : only 5 teachers from the entire sample answered the questionnaire , and no teacher answerd the eighth question , these limitations that may impact the generalizability and interpretation of the findings. Liturature revew Introduction This chapter is devoted to the review of the literature , since textbooks are essential for acquiring and expanding vocabulary, and they include explanations, exercises that reinforce the use of new terminology, and introduce students to a variety of vocabulary in certain contexts and situations , we are going to present an overview of the fundamental elements that have a relationship with textbook and vocabulary. The concept of Textbook Deffinitions of textbook A textbook is a written or printed instructional resource that is used to teach a specific subject.It usually offers thorough details, justifications, and tasks to assist learning in an organized .

According to Oxford learner 's pocket dictionary , textbook is a book that teaches a particular subject which is used in schools.

A textbook is a pedagogical tool used in the teaching and learning process, and it is beneficial to both teachers and students (Harmer, 2008).Cunningsworth(1991:7).

Textbooks are considered as the essential constituents to many ESL /EFL classroom and programmes. The role of the textbook in the classroom Shelden(1988)suggests that textbooks don't only represent the visible heart of any ELT programmes but also offer considerable advantages for both students and teachers when they are being used in EFL classroom. The textbook assists novice teachers in designing both course and activity.

It satisfies the desire or expectation of the learner to have a tangible product to work with and take home for more research; It might include a variety of tools, such as self-study workbooks, films, CDs, and cassettes.Furthermore, the textbook offers safety and ease to a novice instructor who finds it difficult adapt the existing textbooks, particularly for courses that are specifically relevant to their line of work. textbook evaluation and its importance: Textbook evaluation is the process of collecting , analyzing , and interpreting of data presented in the textbook.

Examining textbooks to make sure they meet pedagogical principles, curriculum objectives, and the varied requirements of students is a crucial part of this fundamental activity in education.

Textbook evaluation is essential to forming the educational process, influencing pedagogy and affecting learning results.

It accomplishes this by critically analyzing the content, organization, and instructional practices.Textbook evaluation is still a dynamic and essential part of educational planning and execution, even as educational environments change Weir and Roberts (1994 , p.11) argue that evaluation helps teacher decides if the textbook is suitable for learners. The concept of vocabulary evaluation process may cover several aspects of study , and vocabulary is one of the main items . Deffinitions Wilkins (1972) reports that while without grammar very little can be conveyed , without vocabulary nothing can be conveyed (p.111).

Furthermore, Vocabulary can be defined as '' words we must know to communicate effectively; words in speaking (expressive vocabulary) and words in listening (receptive vocabulary)'' (Neuman&Dwyer, 2009, p.

385).

Vocabulary is the knowledge of words and word meanings.

As Steven Stahl (2005) puts it," Vocabulary knowledge is knowledge ; the knowledge of a word not only implies a definition, but also implies how that word fits into the world." Importance of learning vocabulary having a restricted vocabulary in a second language makes communication difficult, vocabulary knowledge is frequently seen as a fundamental ability for second language learners.highlighting the significance of expanding one's language.Schmitt (2000) emphasizes that “lexical knowledge is central to communicative competence and to the acquisition of a second language” p.

55). Vocabulary teaching and learning strategies 1-Vocabulary teaching strategies a-Using objects When concrete nouns constitute the vocabulary, objects can be used to illustrate meanings.When a new word is introduced, demonstrating the actual thing frequently aids in word memorization through visualization for learners.Items that are brought into or placed in the classroom can be utilized. b- using illustration and images According to Ellery -(2009:148) "Visual imaging is a technique for vocabulary development that can be used effectively with children who are stronger in spatial rather than verbal intelligence.

Using both visual and verbal can help students more store and memorize words". Images assist children learn new words by making connections between a new story and their past knowledge.Pictures or images can be used to introduce a wide variety of vocabulary terms.

They are great tools for determining the meaning of terms you don't know. c- contrast some words and concepts can be easily if they are presented to the learners with their contrasting meaning .

Applying contrast to a teaching strategy that has kids compare orthographically and semantically related L2 terms helps them learn those words by strengthening their new lexical representations. 2-Vocabulary learning strategies a-The use of dictionary Another strategy that assist leaners to check and understand unfamiliar and ambiguous terms and concepts.

According to Allen (1993:83), dictionaries are "passport to independence and using them is one of the students centered learning activities ." b-Guessing from context This is one of the techniques used in order to find the meanings of words , it refers to making a relationship between the the word and other surrounding concepts in tat context.

As Murcia (2001) stated that a context is rich enough to give adequate clues to guess the word’s meaning .

According to Stahl (2005) , students probably have to see a word more than once to place it firmly in their long-term memories.

This does not mean more repetition or drilling of the word, but seeing the word in.... »