Title: Towards a textbook-free Business English teaching in Slovenian tertiary education

Authors: Igor Riznar

Addresses: Faculty of Management, University of Primorska, Cankarjeva 5, 5000 Koper, Slovenia

Abstract: The article deals with a number of Business English textbooks used in Slovenian tertiary education institutions. First, the textbooks are classified and main problems related to their use are pointed out, as well as a set of criteria according to which materials can be evaluated is provided. In addition, arguments for and against the use of textbooks in Business English courses in tertiary education are given. Second, textbooks, written by Slovenian and foreign authors, are thoroughly analysed, especially the discourse of paratexts accompanying them (Introductions, Forewords, Prefaces etc.). Further on, responses (gathered through questionnaires and interviews during the academic years 2003/04 and 2004/05) of students studying at the Faculty of Business and Economics in Maribor regarding the use of textbooks in Business English courses are presented. Finally, qualitative changes, which could lead from pseudoteaching to effective Business English teaching, are suggested.

Keywords: management in education; business English teaching; tertiary education; textbooks; materials evaluation.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMIE.2009.023088

International Journal of Management in Education, 2009 Vol.3 No.1, pp.56 - 69

Published online: 09 Feb 2009 *

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