Do you need to plan if you have a course book?

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Course books provide a variety of material in a structured way and can be a great benefit for the teacher and the student. However, having a course book does not reduce the need for planning.

Here are some advantages and disadvantages of using a course book:

Advantages

• A course book gives the students a sense of security. As the class moves through it, the students can see the progress they are making and what they have achieved.
• Course books are good resources for teachers, providing material and ideas which saves time when planning
• A good course book can give a structure for a series of lessons, providing continuity and consistency for the class. There is usually a logical progression of language items including built-in revision as well as a good balance of skills work, with listening, reading and writing practice as well as activities for speaking.
• Most course books are written by experienced teachers of English. That knowledge and experience is invaluable, particularly for inexperienced teachers.

Disadvantages

• The course book may not be suitable for your particular class - perhaps it is not appropriate for your age group, nationality or culture. For example, the topics may be too adult or childish.
• Many course books are very predictable. They follow the same pattern unit after unit. This can become boring for both the students and the teacher if the book is followed too strictly.
• Course books can encourage teachers to be less creative and imaginative - preferring to use ideas in the book rather than their own.

Course books are, without doubt, a very useful aid for teachers. However it is often more productive to try and adapt and supplement the material in the book to suit your particular class. If you do use a course book, try not to follow the same routine each lesson - vary the order of the activities and remember that it isn't always necessary to do every exercise to achieve your aim.

A course book can certainly help you to plan, but it cannot replace your own ideas for what you want to achieve with your class.

Source: Robertson, C & Acklam, R: Action Plan for Teachers, a guide to teaching English, BBC World Service, 2000