"A Content Analysis of Modals in Action Pack Ten, Eleven, Twelve in Terms of Variety in Meaning, Distribution, and Activities: Recommendations for Effective Methods in Teaching Modals" by Najla Abdullah Ateeg and Najat Ahmed Busabaa investigates how modal verbs are presented in three English language textbooks used in Saudi Arabia. The study aims to examine the variety of modal meanings, distribution across the textbooks, and effectiveness of activities for teaching modals.
The researchers employed content analysis methodology, using the modal verb as the unit of analysis. They categorized modals based on the type of modality expressed: deontic, epistemic, or dynamic. Each category was further subcategorized by specific meanings like possibility, ability, and obligation.
The findings revealed that the textbooks presented a limited variety of modal meanings, focusing primarily on ability, possibility, and advisability. Modal distribution was uneven, with most content concentrated in just a few units across the three books. While the activities for teaching modals showed good variety, including fill-in-the-blank, matching, and discussion exercises, the researchers suggest more could be done to help students grasp the nuances of modal meanings in different contexts.
The study concluded that the most challenging aspect of teaching modals is conveying how their meanings can shift based on context. The researchers recommend techniques like using pictures to stimulate discussions, having students spot errors in modal usage, rephrasing exercises, and translation activities to help clarify subtle differences in meaning. They also suggest introducing modals more frequently throughout the textbooks rather than confining them to isolated units.
This research highlights the importance of presenting modal verbs with sufficient variety, context, and recurrence in English language textbooks to help learners master this complex grammatical feature. The findings and recommendations aim to improve modal instruction for Saudi students learning English as a foreign language.