The paper titled "EFL Teachers’ Attitudes toward Commercial Textbooks in EFL Programs" by Munassir Alhamami and Javed Ahmad focuses on examining the attitudes of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) teachers in Saudi Arabia toward the use of commercially produced textbooks in their programs. The study investigates whether these textbooks are perceived as meeting the educational needs and cultural expectations of students and instructors.
The purpose of the study is to explore the general perceptions of EFL teachers regarding the effectiveness of commercial textbooks in aligning with course objectives, addressing students' academic backgrounds, and considering cultural sensitivities. The research aims to provide insights that could inform the adaptation and customization of textbooks to better fit the Saudi educational context.
The study employs a quantitative research methodology, utilizing a Likert scale questionnaire administered to forty-three EFL instructors at a Saudi university. The questionnaire is designed to gauge the teachers' attitudes toward various aspects of commercial textbooks, including their content, cultural relevance, and suitability for achieving course objectives.
Key findings of the research reveal that, overall, teachers hold negative attitudes toward commercial textbooks. The instructors believe that these textbooks often fail to meet the specific needs of the courses, students’ language proficiency levels, and cultural expectations. The study also identifies a perceived mismatch between the content of the textbooks and the learning objectives and methodologies preferred by the teachers.
The study concludes by emphasizing the need for adapting and customizing commercial textbooks to better suit the unique requirements of EFL programs in Saudi Arabia. It suggests that teachers should play an active role in modifying textbook content and incorporating supplementary materials to enhance the effectiveness of their teaching. The paper highlights the importance of considering teachers' perspectives in the development and selection of educational materials to ensure they align with the cultural and academic context of the students.
This summary has been cross-referenced with the original text to ensure accuracy and to avoid any misrepresentation of the study's findings and conclusions. The paper provides valuable insights into the challenges and considerations involved in using commercial textbooks in EFL programs within the Saudi Arabian educational system.