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Today's lesson was about course book evaluation. The lesson was divided into three main sections: pair work (using a worksheet), pair work (choosing one aspect from the board) and group work (answering questions after discussing a seminar paper)
 * __ Course Book Evaluation __**

In the first section, students were given a worksheet that included criteria for evaluating a course book such as: the level of the book and whether it is appropriate for the pupils. Another example is concerned with the principles and the aims of the course book and whether they are clearly stated or not. Orly concluded this section by giving positive feedback about the pair work done. She also asked each pair to present their findings. Consequently, discussion developed regarding the course books used. Both Irit and Medalale use the same course book **Navigator** for 8th grade. Irit finds the book interesting enough. Yet, Medalale objects and says that it has too many weak points and that she is seriously considering changing this course book next year. Shifra who has evaluated **Highlight** course book, stated that it lacks grammar exercises and the book does not recycle the new vocabulary. That is why teachers need to supply additional material for pupils. Orly concluded this section by summarizing a point that different people have different opinions or impressions about the same book.

During the second section, Orly brought up a list of possible aspects that can be evaluated in course books. She asked each pair to choose one aspect and to look into it in depth in at least two units from the same course book. Aspects are: 1. Presentation through writing. 2. Presentation through speaking. 3. Social Interaction (written / spoken). 4. Access to information through reading. 5. Access to information through listening. 6. Vocabulary teaching. 7. Grammar teaching. Each pair was asked to present the results. Shulamit, for example, who used **Links** course book, focused on the first aspect which is presentation through writing. She found that providing a tip related to writing, with a limited number of exercises is certainly not enough. This aspect of writing should be enhanced more by teachers throughout providing extra worksheets. Islam focused on **Connections c**ourse book for 9th grade and she chose grammar. Islam emphasized that most exercises in that course book are mechanical. They are controlled and there is not enough practice. She also added that the content of the exercises doesn't relate to pupil's personal life. Orly concluded this section, too, by stating that although course books correspond with curriculum, yet, there is place for improvement and they can be better.

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Noga spoke about her personal experience of not using a course book. Noga collects material and it's challenging. She admits that its hard work still she finds it very interesting especially when pupils are highly motivated to learn about topics that relate to their lives. Another important note was brought up by Samar who presented the difficulty of not having course books with technical English which is necessary for the pupils she teaches. ======

In the third section, Orly asked each two pairs to sit together and discuss a seminar paper written by Anat Veksler about "Examining Teachers' and Pupils' Attitudes towards the use of textbooks in EFL classes". Each group had to answer the five questions related to this paper.

Finally, Orly decided to end up the lesson in unusual way. She gave her positive feedback concerning the group work and gave each group the chance to further discuss the points in the article in order to benefit from group discussion.

__Final Summary__ As a result of the discussion we had in class, most teachers agree on various points that are equally important and essential.One of these points is the issue of equipping our students with extra enrichment material which will help learners understand better and will consolidate the process of learning.All teachers agree that whatever textbook is chosen, it is never sufficient and teachers should not rely only on the textbook. Another important point is that different teachers evaluate the same coursebook differently and that depends on teacher's experience, level of learners and other elements as well. Finally the methodology used by the teacher is of great importance.Teachers can simplify exercises and vary the activities for the purpose of reaching all learners equally.