Publication details
The Possible Selves in a Global Coursebook
| Authors | |
|---|---|
| Year of publication | 2016 |
| Type | Article in Periodical |
| Magazine / Source | Humanising Language Teaching |
| MU Faculty or unit | |
| Citation | |
| Web | http://www.hltmag.co.uk/apr16/mart04.htm |
| Field | Pedagogy and education |
| Keywords | possible selves; open and closed text; critical discourse analysis; ideology in textbooks |
| Description | In this article the concept of “possible self” is introduced and applied in an analysis of New Headway, a global EFL textbook. The methods of critical discourse analysis and the concept of closed and open text were used to identify texts and exercises that have a potential to develop possible selves, i.e. ideal selves of readers. It was found that the characters portrayed in the textbook strive for wealth and fame. Closed exercises were identified as the most problematic carriers of ideological content. Finally, recommendations for teaching practice are offered. |