The Routledge Handbook of Materials Development for Language Teaching by Norton, Julie; Buchanan, Heather;

Short description:

This handbook provides an overview of the development of language teaching materials, critical discussion of core issues, and an assessment of future directions. It is essential reading for researchers, scholars and students on MA programmes in ELT, TESOL and Applied Linguistics.

Long description:

The Routledge Handbook of Materials Development for Language Teaching is the definitive resource for all working in this area of language and English language teaching. With 34 chapters authored by leading figures from around the world, the Handbook provides an historical overview of the development of language teaching materials, critical discussion of core issues, and an assessment of future directions.

The contributions represent a range of different international contexts, providing insightful, state-of-the-art coverage of the field. Structured in nine sections, the Handbook covers:

• changes and developments in language teaching materials


• controversial issues in materials development


• research and materials development


• materials for language learning and skills development


• materials evaluation and adaptation


• materials for specific contexts


• materials development and technology


• developing materials for publication


• professional development and materials writing

Demonstrating throughout the dynamic relationship between theory and practice, this accessible Handbook is essential reading for researchers, scholars, and students on MA programmes in ELT, TESOL, and applied linguistics.

'This volume presents a treasure trove of scholarship, information and advice for those concerned with materials development for language teaching. The authors have drawn together writers from a range of backgrounds and specialisms to provide insight into all aspects of materials from production to adaptation and from representation to evaluation. The emphasis on the digital is particularly timely given recent moves to online learning, and the critical stance taken by many of the authors will be welcomed by the TESOL community. The Handbook should be on the library shelves of all institutions that offer language teaching programmes.'

Fiona Copland, University of Stirling, UK

'Not many books address comprehensibly the diversity of issues in materials development, materials in practice and the evaluation of materials. This book engages the reader in debate, thereby enabling the triggers to critical thought.'

Jayakaran Mukundan, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Malaysia

‘As well as focusing on how theory and practice interrelate, the handbook aims to increase mutual understanding between the two camps: practitioners and theorists.’

Paul A. Davies, English Language Teaching Journal

'The Handbook makes a significant contribution to previous literature on materials development by mapping the key issues, challenges, and considerations for each focal theme, and how they could be addressed in practice, as well as indicating future directions.'

Abdullah Yıldız, English Language Teaching Journal

Table of Contents:

List of illustrations

Acknowledgements

List of Contributors

Introduction and overview

1. The discipline of materials development

2. Language learning materials in the digital era

3. Theory and practice in materials development

4. Why do we need coursebooks?

5. Authenticity in language teaching materials

6. Selecting language for materials writing 

7. From global English to Global Englishes: questioning approaches to ELT materials

8. Culture and materials development

9. Representation in coursebooks: a critical perspective

10. Materials development: what can you research, how and why?

11. Using research to inform materials development

12. Writing corpus-informed materials

13. Materials for teaching grammar

14. Materials for teaching vocabulary

15. Materials for developing speaking skills

16. Materials for developing reading skills

17. Materials for developing writing skills

18. The analysis and evaluation of language teaching materials

19. Approaches to materials adaptation

20. Developing a primary coursebook series for Turkey

21. Versioning coursebooks

22. Writing EAP materials

23. Writing materials for ESOL

24. Materials for English Medium Education

25. Writing materials for Spanish teenagers

26. Writing materials for an English-speaking environment

27. Developing blended learning materials

28. Materials for mobile learning

29. Learner contributions to materials in language teaching

30. How do writers write?

31. The editor’s role in developing materials

32. Making the materials writing leap: scaffolding the journey from teacher to teacher-writer

33. Materials as a tool for professional development: a perspective from publishing

34. Training materials writers