Evaluating How Rural and Urban English School Teachers Accommodating International Textbooks to Malaysian Context

Abstract

This qualitative research study explored the effectiveness of the English Language Textbook, Pulse 2 on the students’ motivation and accommodation to the learning needs based on Gardner’s Motivation Theory. 6 selected participants from rural and urban schools were involved and interviewed purposely. Research findings indicated that English school teachers and students were having difficulties to use the textbook due to requirement of higher-order thinking skills (HOTS) for teachers and students, having loaded Western content and context in the syllabus, and insufficient technology provided in urban and rural schools impending smooth teaching and learning. This research is significant to the Malaysian Ministry of Education to find an alternative textbook to fulfil the gaps in developing motivation to learn English language among Malaysian students. The research findings also recommend that Pulse 2 textbook should be modified according to students’ need and interest to suit Malaysian's contexts.