Teachers textbook use in English. Newly qualified teachers’ use of textbooks in planning and execution of English lessons

Abstract

This thesis will look at the use of textbooks in both planning and in lessons, specifically in English. The thesis encompasses teachers that have a background from the University of Tromsø Department of Education and the pilot MA-program that was started in 2010. The thesis want to reflect upon the effects the competence gained from the pilot program have had on textbook use. Other factors that the teacher feel contributes to textbook use is also explored. To gather data from this group, both a survey and two interviews were conducted. The survey provide insight into prevailing thoughts and reflections, while the two interviews along with relevant literature are used to explore and discuss these thoughts and reflections more closely. This thesis show that textbooks have a dominant position in the teacher’s everyday work. Textbooks are almost always mentioned to have a high degree of influence when planning. It is usually reflected in local curriculum themes. Moreover, textbooks are used to a significant extent in lessons that involve pupils with individual education plans. Lastly, the thesis finds that the pupil’s parents play a significant role when it comes to textbook use, parents often have a need or want for the use of textbooks.