Material Evaluation & Selection of Materials in Curriculum Development (Book Chapter)

What is Materials Evaluation?
Materials Evaluation is procedure that involves measuring the value (or
potential value) of a set of learning materials. It involves making judgments about
the effect of the materials on the people using them and it tries to measure some or
all of the following:

1. The appeal of the materials to the learners.
2. The credibility of materials to learners, teachers, and administrators.
3. The validity of the materials.
4. The reliability of the materials.
5. The ability of the materials to interest the learners and the teachers.
6. The ability of the materials to motivate the learners.
7. The value of the materials in terms of short-term learning (important, for
example, for performance on tests and examinations.
8. The value of the materials in terms of long-term learning (of both language
and communication skills)
9. The learners’ perceptions of the value of the materials.
10. The teachers’ perceptions of the value of the materials.
11. The assistance given to the teachers in terms of preparation, delivery, and
assessment.
12. The flexibility of the materials.
13. The contribution made by the materials to teacher development.
14. The match with administrative requirements.
Principles in Materials Evaluation
It is very important that evaluations are driven by a set of principles and
these principles are articulated by the evaluators prior to the evaluation. In this
way greater validity and reliability can be achieved and fewer mistakes are likely
to be made.
In developing a set of principles it is useful to consider the evaluator’s
theory of learning and teaching. All teachers develop theories of learning and
teaching which they apply in their classrooms (even though they are often
unaware of doing so). Many researchers (e.g., Schon, 1983) argue that it is useful
for teachers to try to achieve an articulation of their theories by reflecting on their
practice. Here are some theories which are articulated from teachers’ practice:
1. Language learners succeed best if learning is positive, relaxed, and
enjoyable experience.

............................................................................................................

PLEASE READ FULL ARTICLE HERE