UPSI Digital Repository (UDRep)
Start | FAQ | About

QR Code Link :

Type :article
Subject :PE English
ISSN :2222-6990
Main Author :Intan Safinas Mohd Ariff Albakri
Additional Authors :Mohamad Syafiq Ya Shak
Mohd Haniff Mohd Tahir
Mohd Hafiz Mat Adam
Title :The use of imported CEFR-aligned English language textbooks in Malaysian schools: issues and concerns
Place of Production :Tanjong Malim
Publisher :Fakulti Bahasa dan Komunikasi
Year of Publication :2021
Corporate Name :Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris
PDF Full Text :Login required to access this item.

Abstract : Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris
Imported English language textbooks were introduced in Malaysian schools as part of the Common European Framework Reference of Language (CEFR)’s roll-out in this country through the establishment of the Standards Based English Language Curriculum (SBELC), which is the official English language curriculum in Malaysia. However, concerns were raised with regards to the use of these textbooks. Despite advocates clamoring for the textbooks’ alignment to the CEFR and their contents, critiques were quick to point out their imbalanced cultural content, high lexical density, lack of supplementary materials, steep price point, ambiguous selection procedure, and fitness with the goals and objective of Malaysia’s language program and English curriculum. Doubts were also expressed about Malaysian English teachers’ preparedness to teach by using these books. It is then suggested that English language textbooks’ selection procedure in Malaysia to be refined through the establishment of a systematic and transparent textbook evaluation framework. This will help in streamlining future English language textbooks selection and development processes in Malaysia while preventing any unnecessary outcry in future. Keywords: CEFR, Get Smart, Imported Textbook, PULSE 2, Super Minds.

References

Abdelwahab, M. M. (2013). Developing an English Language textbook evaluative checklist. IOSR Journal of Research & Method in Education, 1(3), 55-70.

 

Ahmed, M., Yaqoob, H., & Yaqoob, M. (2015). Evaluation of listening skill of ELT textbook at secondary school level. Advances in Language and Literary Studies, 6(3), 225-229.

 

Ariz, N. A. (2017a). Free Malaysia Today. Imported English textbooks will boost students’ proficiency. Retrieved from https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2017/10/07/imported-english-textbooks-will-boost-students-proficiency/.

 

Ariz, N. A. (2017b). Free Malaysia Today. New books: English Teachers must know what to teach. Retrieved from https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2017/12/12/new-books-english-teachers-must-know-what-to-teach-says-page/.

 

Aziz, H. (2017). New Straits Times. Textbook do not make the teachers. Retrieved from https://www.nst.com.my/opinion/columnists/2017/12/311230/textbooks-do-not-make-teacher

 

Chin, C., Rajaendram, R. (2017). The Star. Only imported English textbooks from next year. Retrieved from https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2017/10/05/only- imported-english-textbooks-from-next-year-move-part-of-reform-to-ensure- international- proficient.

 

Chow, M. D. (2017). Free Malaysia Today. Academic calls for localized English texts. Retrieved from https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation /2017/10/11/academic-calls-for-localised-english-texts/.

 

Din, F. F. M., & Yamat, H. (2020). Challenges faced by teachers in using Supermind textbook. International Journal of Academic Research in Progressive Education and Development, 9(1), 122–133.

 

Dom, Z. M. (2016). New Straits Times. Communicative approach. Retrieved from https://www.nst.com.my/news/2017/03/196760/communicative-approach.

 

Goh, Y. T., & Aziz, A. A. (2020). Using PULSE 2 to teach and assess Malaysian pupils’ speaking skill. International Journal of Publications and Social Studies, 5(1), 55-68.

 

Hadi, M. L. A., & Shah, P. M. (2020). Malaysian ESL teachers’ Perception towards CEFR-aligned textbooks. International Journal of New Technology and Research, 6(10), 73-79.

 

Hammim, R. (2018). New Straits Times. JELTA wants Education Ministry to rethink used of imported textbooks. Retrieved from https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2018/01/322975/jelta-wants-education-ministry-rethink-use-imported-textbooks.

 

James, P. R., & Aziz, A. A. (2020). Perceptions and expectancies of Malaysian students on cultural elements in foreign textbooks. International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences, 10(4), 214–231.

 

Johar, N. A., & Aziz, A. A. (2019). Teacher’s perceptions on using the PULSE 2 textbook. Journal of Educational Research and Indigenous Studies, 2(1), 1-15.

 

Johari, Z. K. (2017). MOE’s reply raises more questions than answers about “imported” English textbooks. [Press Release]. Retrieved from https://dapmalaysia.org/statements/2017/12/03/26208/.

 

Khoo, H. S., & Knight, P. (2015). Teachers’ evaluation of KBSM Form 4, 5 English textbooks used in the secondary schools in Penang, Malaysia. Advances in Language and Literary Studies, 6(4), 128-150.

 

Let’s have our own textbooks. (2018). The Star. Retrieved from https://www.thestar.com.my/news/education/2018/02/04/lets-have-our-own- textbooks/.

 

Marlina, R. (2017). Teaching English as an international language: Implementing, Reviewing, and re-envisioning world Englishes in language education. Routledge.

 

McGrath, I. (2016). Materials evaluation and design for language teaching (2nd ed). Edinburgh University Press.

 

Momand, M., Sugunabalan, A., Ibrahim, S. A. M., & Sandaran, S. (2019). An evaluation of Primary Year 6 (KSSR) English textbook. International Journal of Engineering and Advanced Technology, 8 (5C), 1192 -1199.

 

Mukundan, J. (2004). ESL textbook evaluation: A composite framework. Lambert Academic Publishing.

 

Mukundan, J., & Nimehchisalem, V. (2012). Evaluative criteria of an English Language textbook evaluation checklist. Journal of Teaching and Research, 3 (6), 1128 -1134.

 

Nazari, W. A. A. W., & Aziz, A. A. (2020). Content analysis of PULSE 2 textbook’s reading texts.

International Journal of Applied Science and Engineering Review, 1(6), 68-90.

 

Rahim, H. A., & Daghigh, A. J. (2019). Locally developed versus global textbooks: An evaluation of cultural content in textbooks used in English language teaching in Malaysia. Asian Englishes, DOI: 10.1080/13488678.2019.1669301.

 

Richards, J. C. (2016). Curriculum development in language teaching (2nd Ed.). Cambridge University Press.

 

Roberts, F., Aziz, A. A., & Matore, M. E. E. M. (2020a). Malaysian teachers’ perception on Cambridge English textbook evaluation checklist for materials adaptation: A preliminary study. International Journal of Advanced Science and Technology, 29(3), 2020- 2030.

 

Roberts, F., Aziz, A. A., & Matore, M. E. E. M. (2020b). Criteria of a good ELT textbook: Malaysian teachers' perception. Universal Journal of Educational Research, 8(12A), 7433 - 7442. DOI:10.13189/ujer.2020.082527.

 

Sabbiri, F. (2017). Perceived view of teachers towards Pentaksiran Tingkatan Tiga (PT3) (Form Three Assessment) English Language: A case study. Asian Journal of University Education, 15(3), 34 - 44.

 

Takal, G. M., Planisamay, T., Gani, N. A. I., Peter, C. V., & Singh, P. M. K. (2021). An evaluation of ‘Get Smart’ English language textbook from the perspectives of English teachers. AKSARA: Jurnal Ilmu Pendidikan Nasional, 7(2), 727-746.

 

Teachers not trained properly to use English textbooks, says parents’ group. (2017). Free Malaysia Today. Retrieved from https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2017/12/03/teachers-not-trained-properly-to-use-imported-english-textbooks-says-parents-group/.

 

Why weren’t imported textbooks purchased through open tender?. (2017). Free Malaysia Today. Retrieved from https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2017/11/25/why-werent-imported-textbooks-purchased-through-open-tender.

 

Wong, L. P. W. (2011). Textbook evaluation: A framework for evaluating the fitness of the Hong Kong New Secondary School (NSS) curriculum (Unpublished Master Dissertation). City University of Hong Kong, China.

 

Wuttisrisiripon, N., & Usaha, S. (2019). The development of a localized ELT textbook evaluation checklist: A case study from Thailand. Thai TESOL Journal, 32 (2), 46 -64.

 

Ya Shak, M. S., Malik, N. A., Hasni, N. A., & Tahir, M. H. (2021). Revisiting PULSE 2 Textbook after three years: Have teachers changed their mind?. Malaysian Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities, 6(5), 177-189. DOI:https://doi.org/10.47405/mjssh.v6i5.777.


This material may be protected under Copyright Act which governs the making of photocopies or reproductions of copyrighted materials.
You may use the digitized material for private study, scholarship, or research.

Back to previous page

Installed and configured by Bahagian Automasi, Perpustakaan Tuanku Bainun, Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris
If you have enquiries with this repository, kindly contact us at pustakasys@upsi.edu.my or Whatsapp +60163630263 (Office hours only)