A critical evaluation of Sri Lankan government school textbook series, Let’s Learn English

Abstract

At present, recognizing the importance of English, as the gateway to modern knowledge, English is taught from the primary grades onwards, within the Sri Lankan education system. Let’s Learn English is a series designed for primary grades; 3, 4, and 5, and lays the foundation for children’s formal English language learning process. Therefore, critical evaluation of this series could be considered vital to discover whether the students’ language requirements are satisfactorily fulfilled. Drawing on comprehensive qualitative and quantitative data through questionnaires and interviews from a study sample of ESL (English as a Second Language) teachers, instructors and students, this study seeks to investigate the extent to which the contents of the books meet the set objectives. Additionally, attempts are made to inspect how far the coursebooks are free from mistakes and errors. Also, the integration of all four language skills was analyzed to examine whether the communicative needs of students are met. The ultimate objective of the study is to identify strengths and weaknesses of the coursebooks and recommend improvements to them, with the aim of enhancing the quality of learning and teaching practices. The results of the study revealed that the Grade 5 coursebook of Let’s Learn English needs modifications, while the presentation of Grade 3 and 4 coursebooks requires slight modifications.