Evaluation and Adaptation of Materials: The Use of BackPack 1 Textbook in Chinese Schools

Abstract

This paper evaluates the use of an English language textbook in the Chinese context according to four criteria: suitability for the context, communication and tasks, learner engagement, and intellectual, aesthetic and emotional involvement. The paper culminates with adaptations which are proposed as changes that can render the teaching materials more suitable for the learners. Based on the evaluation of the textbook, rationales for the adaptations are provided. Some of the main rationales include: making the materials more relevant to students, catering for learners’ differences, engaging and involving the students, and being at the appropriate level with challenging and varied tasks.