A Textbook Analysis of Lotus English Reader Grade Six

Abstract

This thesis entitled A Textbook Analysis of Lotus English Reader Grade VI is an attempt to analyze the textbook in terms of its physical aspects, academic aspects and the needs and interest of the learners. In the process of this study, the researcher collected data from primary and secondary sources. The primary sources of data were the responses provided by the English teachers who are teaching Lotus English Reader and students who were taught English using Lotus English Reader in different parts of Nawalparasi district. The main secondary source of data was the textbook itself. In order to collect the data, two sets of questionnaire were prepared for the teachers and students. Apart from this, the researcher herself studied the textbook in detail. The obtained data were tabulated and analyzed using a simple statistical tool. The findings of the study are based in teachers’ and students’ perceptions on the textbook. The findings are, the textbook incorporates interesting readings; data based factual information derived from native Nepali and English culture, and it is able to motivate the learners. The textbook to a great extent exhibiting authenticity of reading materials, 70% of the respondents agree with it and it incorporates some para orthographic texts such as table and diagram, therefore, it provides the learners with a reading experience. But glossary, a very important part of a language textbook is not given; all teachers and students have negative response on it. The exercise is sufficient for the students in developing academic skills, since 70% of the respondents agree with it.

The present study is divided into four major chapters. The first chapter deals with a brief introduction of the English language, textbook and its importance, types of textbook, theoretical framework of textbook ix analysis, qualities of good textbook, review of related literature, objectives and significance of the study. The second chapter deals with methodology adopted to carry out this research work under which the primary and secondary sources of data, population of the study, tool for data collection, process of data collection and limitation of the study are presented. The third chapter includes analysis and interpretation of data collected from different sources. This chapter is divided into four sections; the first section deals with the teacher's responses on the qualities of the textbook and then the second section deals with teacher's open responses on the qualities of the textbook. Similarly, the third presents student's responses on the qualities of the textbook. The last section describes student's open responses on the qualities of the textbook. The last chapter consists of findings derived from the analysis and interpretation of the textbook. Finally, some recommendations are made for further improvement of the textbook. Besides, the supportive material such as, questionnaire and their responses are presented in the appendix section of thesis.