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[no_exit]

Hello all ... I did a search on my question, but it didn't turn up anything too useful, although I seem to remember a discussion on textbooks at some point in the past.

I'm trying to decide on what text or series of texts to use with Chinese middle schoolers (aged 12-15 roughly -- older than 15 and they can usually handle adult texts).

I've used the Brainwaves series (level 1 especially is really childish), Cambridge English for Schools (the kids found it boring) , and New Interchange (which I don't think is really appropriate for that age) in the past. I've also used the standard issue Chinese public school texts (I believe they're called Speak Up or something like that?) -- blue version and orange version. However, I haven't been wholly satisfied. Middle schoolers can be tough nuts to crack and I'm looking for a text which they will find engaging, challenging, and not too childish.

This would be a standard extracurricular English class, 10-15 kids. The text needs to integrate speaking, listening, reading and writing. The classes are divided by level, so a series which they can move up through would probably be most appropriate. Anyone have any ideas, any texts which have worked in the past? I'd prefer to use an American English text, simply because as an American it bugs me to have to monitor my speech to make sure I say trousers and not pants, has got instead of has, etc.. I've been looking around on the Cambridge and Longmans catalogues and there seem to be a ton of texts, but which one to choose?

[mondrian]

Well you have dismissed the New Interchange Series, which I have successfully used with my group of middle school students for more than 2 years. We are now on the Green Book and they have a good sense of achievement in getting to that level. If you use this series, the teachers books are invaluable.
The Yellow Book is neither too difficult or inappropriate for 12-15 yr old students. They are wiser than you think!
I would rethink your decision

[kev7161]

Well, I DO like New Interchange because it has everything you ask for in a textbook (with the accompanying workbook - - and there's even a workbook that goes along with the videos if you can find them). I suggested to my school (and so far they've accepted the suggestion - - we'll see about next year) that they start the primary school kids (as of 1st grade) with the New Parade series 1-6, one level per grade, then start the Junior 1 kids with the New Interchange Yellow Book Level A and move on to the red and blue books throughout their middle school years.

The NI are very similar in format to the NP books, but obviously veer away from the cutesy songs and coloring and into more "serious" English learning. However, I've said it before, I think NI is a good BASE with plenty of lesson ideas and activities to fill up a period, but you as the teacher should certainly strive to go beyond the book and find out what kind of activities you can do that might incorporate whichever unit you are in the midst of.

NI has an updated version from a couple years back that I've never seen because the original is certainly a bit dated when it comes to pop culture reference and current technology (no IPods or MP3s to be found!), but overall I've always preferred it because I too don't want to force myself to teach English from another country that I'm not very comfortable with.

[latefordinner]

I like NI, I've used it with a variety of groups. I'd agree that the main series, (red blue green) is best with young adults aged 16+, but the yellow book (Passages, I think) is quite workable down to about age 14. Las summer I used Passages with middle school junior 1s and even some grade 6s, NI1 (red) with j2s. A bit of a stretch, but it worked fairly well.
When I taught in middle schools, we had Junior English for China (or something of the kind), which I had mixed feelings about. On the whole a passable text, but there were problems. The thing is, that the biggest problems really aren't with the text, but with the pre-assessment that determines the make-up of the class.

[woza17]

Good thread
I have ordered the New Look Cambridge for High School students, grade 1 to 6 from Beijing. Worth checking out I can give you the website if you like. I have only seen one level of the textbook but I was impressed. It has the textbook, the workbook, tapes, teachers book and teachers training VCD. All up it will cost me 660 RMB, well worth it, some good home grown stuff coming out
New Interchange, I am not really that happy with. It assumes that you would know these movie stars or singers that you would experience that kind of life as one would in North America. I don't think that a lot of the topics are really relevant to Chinese students. I love grammar focus and the vocab and some of the topics are useful but not all.

[kev7161]

A little more on New Interchange: "Passages" is the final book in the series and is really intended for those that have completed the series and should have a better grasp on the language. A lot of reading "passages" for comprehension and more advanced vocabulary. I've never had a chance to work with this book to date.

As for the North American references, I can't disagree, but they also focus on artists, culture, holidays, foods, etc. from around the globe. My guess is that this book is "possibly" intended for those coming into the US or Canada and wanting to learn English on those hallowed grounds (thus the "American" English used) - - - but of course, that works out perfectly for me!

[mondrian]

[no_exit]

I don't actually have anything against New Interchange, in fact, I really like the series for older teens and adults. I've used the yellow book for Junior 1 students before, and I found it ok, but the series is just not really age appropriate. The dialogues talk about going out on dates, job interviews, apartment searching -- things that just don't really matter to pre-teens.

Good suggestions however. I've got a class to teach in one hour using the Brainwaves series, which puts them to sleep.