The value of published English Language Teaching (ELT) materials: An case study of their use in Compulsory Secondary Education

Abstract

This Master’s Thesis (TFM) seeks to call into question published ELT learning materials with a view to examining their potential when used with adolescents. Such materials are undeniably one of the most prevalent resources employed by teachers at many institutions owing to the convenience they offer in planning and assessing foreign language skills. For this reason, a series of queries arise: Do these published materials reflect the current educational legislation? Does a careful progression in terms of the language level of the learners take place? Do these materials lend themselves to being adapted to the students' needs? With the purpose of addressing these concerns, a detailed analysis of the materials currently in use at the high school in which I completed my Master's internship will be proposed, followed by a subsequent discussion on suggestions to optimise the use of foreign language learning resources. Keywords: English as a Second Language, coursebook, Language teaching, Secondary Education, materials, language progression, and teaching resources