An Original Computerized and Web-Based Method for Assessing Textbook Readability via Lexical Coverage

Autor/inn/en	Alhusban, Hamdallah A.; Torki, Saad
Titel	An Original Computerized and Web-Based Method for Assessing Textbook Readability via Lexical Coverage
Quelle	In: TESOL International Journal, 16 (2021) 2, S.7-30 (24 Seiten)Infoseite zur Zeitschrift PDF als Volltext kostenfreie Datei Verfügbarkeit
Sprache	englisch
Dokumenttyp	gedruckt; online; Zeitschriftenaufsatz
ISSN	2094-3938
Schlagwörter	Textbooks; Readability; Second Language Learning; Second Language Instruction; English (Second Language); Reading Materials; Vocabulary Skills; Content Analysis; Computer Assisted Instruction; Comparative Analysis; Vocabulary Development; Public Schools; Foreign Countries; Computer Software; Learning Processes; Computational Linguistics; Teaching Methods; Algeria + Suchen Sie Ihr Suchwort? Textbook; Text book; Schulbuch; Lehrbuch; Lesbarkeit; Zweitsprachenerwerb; Fremdsprachenunterricht; English as second language; English; Second Language; Englisch als Zweitsprache; Aktiver Wortschatz; Inhaltsanalyse; Computer based training; Computerunterstützter Unterricht; Wortschatzarbeit; Public school; Öffentliche Schule; Ausland; Learning process; Lernprozess; Linguistics; Computerlinguistik; Teaching method; Lehrmethode; Unterrichtsmethode; Algerien
Abstract	This paper presents a novel methodology to determine textbook readability. The method mainly relies on students' lexical coverage to determine the readability level of textbooks, taking into consideration that readability depends primarily on vocabulary knowledge and that it is a function of lexical coverage in teaching English as a Foreign Language (EFL). The appropriateness of the reading material used is critical. If it is inappropriate, the chances that learners understand it are substantially jeopardized. This study examined seven EFL textbooks currently in use in Algerian public schools to determine whether learners' lexical coverage is at the textbook readability level (Independent Reading Level), above it (Instructional Reading Level), or below it (Frustrational Reading Level). It adopted a multi-instrument computer-based approach. Results showed that all the textbooks have low lexical coverage and readability, which puts them at the frustrational level. Moreover, it was found that 4 out of 7 textbooks demonstrated a discrepancy in terms of lexical coverage as the rate of common vocabulary across all textbooks was very low. Comparing the lexical coverage of the seven textbooks to standard vocabulary lists revealed that students are not learning sufficient, useful, and appropriate vocabulary. (As Provided).
Anmerkungen	English Language Education Publishing. Site Skills Training - Clark, Centennial Road, Clark Freeport Zone, Clark, Pampanga 2023, Philippines. e-mail: asianefl@gmail.com; Web site: https://www.elejournals.com/tesol-international-journal/; Web site: https://www.tesol-international-journal.com/
Erfasst von	ERIC (Education Resources Information Center), Washington, DC
Update	2024/1/01