What is the Use of Literature Textbooks? – The Opinions and Experiences of Practicing Hungarian Language Teachers about the Currently Available Literature Textbooks

Abstract

The textbook is the primary medium for the curriculum and, due to its frequent use in class, is a fundamental element of the teaching-learning process, while in most cases it is supplemented by other teaching aids. This is also true for literature textbooks; however, the question arises as to whether the textbooks officially available in Hungary meet the demands of the 21st century.

The effectiveness of textbooks can best be assessed by asking their users, as teachers and students are the ones who handle them daily and view them as reference materials, aids, or task banks. In my research, I aim to gauge the opinions and experiences of Hungarian language teachers regarding the available literature textbooks through a questionnaire. First, I will ask respondents about the options offered in the textbook list, focusing not only on their satisfaction but also on their suggestions for expanding the list. Then, I will assess what role they attribute to the teaching tools, their criteria for selection, and how decisions are made regarding the adopted textbook in their schools. Following this, the questions will explore the details of textbook usage, and then address the structure and organization of the books, the quantity of tasks, and overall usability.

The results of the research indicate a high level of dissatisfaction with the literature textbooks officially available in Hungary, whether concerning the tasks, the structure of the textbooks, or their practical applicability. The findings could potentially inform the development of a textbook list that takes into account the needs of the primary users of these textbooks.