THE ROLE OF TEXTBOOKS IN EFFECTIVE TEACHING AND LEARNING OF A LANGUAGE IN NIGERIA

Abstract

Textbooks are no doubt a key component in any language course. Sometimes they serve as the bases for of the language input learners receive the language practice in the classroom. They may provide the content of the lessons, create a balance of the skills taught and the kinds of language and the kinds of language practice In the student participates in. textbooks play a pivotal role in language classrooms in all types of educational institution be it public schools, colleges and language schools world over. In some cases teachers are free to chose their own textbooks. however, the vast majority of  the teachers use suggested or assigned textbooks. On the one hand, textbooks may serve primarily to support the teachers institution and on the other hand  it may a major source of contact they have with the language aside the input provided by the teacher. This paper therefore discuses the general  roles of textbooks in effective teaching and learning of a language course as it concerns its need, advantages, how they are evaluated and adapted, its readability and how to make better use of textbooks. This is both on the part of teachers and learners for in the case of inexperienced teachers textbooks serve as a form teachers training by providing ideas on how to plans and teach lessons as well as methods that can be used. Much of the language teaching that are found world over today  could not take place without the extensive use of commercial textbooks. Learning how to adapt and use textbooks is hence an important part of a teachers professional knowledge