EFL/ESL Textbook Selection in Korea and East Asia - Relevant Issues and Literature Review

Abstract

AbstractEFL/ESL departments periodically face the problem of textbook selection. Cogent issues are that non-native speakers will use L2 English mainly to communicate with other non-native English speakers, so an American accent is becoming less important. L2 English will mainly be used in computer-mediated communication, hence the importance of L2 Digital Literacy. The convergence of Information Communication Technologies is radically impacting Second Language Acquisition, which is integrating web-hosted Assessment and Learning Management Systems. EFL/ESL textbooks need to be compatible with blended learning, prepare students for a globalized world, and foster autonomous learning. I summarize five papers on EFL/ESL textbook evaluation and selection, and include relevant material for adaptation. Textbooks are major sources of contact with the target language, so selection is an important decision. Educators need to be systematic and objective in their approach, adopting a selection process that is open, transparent, accountable, participatory, informed and rigorous.KeywordsEFL/ESLTextbook evaluation and selectiononline literacy assessmentL2 digital literacySecond LanguageSLAConvergenceE-learningLearning Management SystemsLMSblending learningautonomous learningInformation Communication TechnologiesKoreaEast Asia