Job Discussion Forums

[jramirez]

Hey everyone. For those of you who are teaching, which textbooks are you required to use? Which ones do you like/recommend using? I would like to know which textbooks are used frequently in ESL or EFL classrooms. (I am specially searching for textbooks for adult students).

[TeresaLopez]

I have used a number of books, but my favorites are those published by Cambridge University Press. For business students, I like the Market Leader series, it's only shortcoming, in my opinion, is that it is a little light on grammar. I supplement that with the relevant grammar pages from English Grammar in Use, or Essential English Grammar, depending on the level of the student. In addition, I would suggest getting some books of games and other activities that you can add to your class to keep things lively. Even adult students like games, and it can be a very effective way of teaching, reviewing or testing different concepts. I also use a book of Idioms, and just a few of those each class for Intermediate and up students. Also, depending on the industry the student is in, I look for interesting articles that are related to their job or industry to read and discuss. I think the key is, whatever book you use, is to present a variety of activities.

[Glenski]

Are university students "adults" to you? I could cite several textbooks people use in uni, but it depends on what type of class.

From the sound of things, you have older adults who may be interested only in general conversation skills. Is that right? If we know your situation a bit better, we could offer recommendations on books that are more suited to you.

General conversation:
People say they like Passport, New Interchange, Spectrum, Headway, and a few others.

[jramirez]

Thank you for your replies. I was looking for texts used for adults or university students. I thought it'd be a good idea for me to get acquainted with some textbooks as I'm preparing to go abroad. I prefer books that emphasize an integrated approach to language (without over emphasizing grammar rules).

[nickpellatt]

Have a look at Face 2 Face. Probably my favourite book.

[mag_nus]

I quite like the New English File series. Is that unoriginal? Everywhere I've worked seems to use them. As well as the textbooks they have lots of extra activities in the teacher's book, resource pack and workbook. I think there's a resource pack anyway, may be confusing it with another series...

[Glenski]

[jramirez]

I would like to find out about conversation, writing, and reading for adults and university students.

I am planning to relocate to Mexico. From what I have read, most likely I won't have a choice of textbooks depending on the school. Some places may have their own curriculum and even lesson plans. I would like to get acquainted with the more popular texts to be prepared to use them.

Thanks for your help!

[TeresaLopez]

You can look at samples from lots of books on the Cambridge University Press website, a chapter, or part of a chapter, to get an idea of what the book is like.

[Isla Guapa]

[sweeney66]

I really liked a Longman Canada series Open Book, Open Window, Open Road. It is ESL as opposed to EFL, but has really engaging topics.

[Glenski]

Have you posted in the Mexico forum? Might be better than a general forum. At least there they would know more about the level of fluency to expect for such students and make better book recommendations.

[Tom Le Seelleur]

OUP Headway Academic Skills for foundation students who are on a bridge program are perhaps the best around for elementary to intermediate adult students who may not have the study skills/independence.

[mushroomyakuza]

I find Market Leader surprisingly good for general conversation and I find there's enouh grammar in there to be able to stick to a 3P lesson too if that's what you want.

Face2face is a great book - for certain audiences, ie. younger adults. I think some of its content might be seen as possibly juevenille by older students. Maybe.

Clockwise is great at certain levels - beginner, upper-int and advanced are all very good, but I found the pre-int book a bit lacking by comparison.

New Headway is great for lower levels as they tend to have a lot of exercises for students to do that help them to broaden their vocabulary when they're still struggling with (if they want) general conversation. When it comes to higher levels though, sometimes the exercise nature of the book can be a bit laborious and not all students will find it easy to make free conversation over the subjects throughout the book.

[naturegirl321]