Content Analysis in College English in terms f Gender
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Date
1998-06
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to determine the adequacy of College English (Atkins,
Hailom & Nuru, 1996) in bridging the gender-gap in EFL learning. The sources of data for the
analysis were those selected from the "Student's Book" and the "Instructor'sManual" of
Volume 1, based on their relevance to the purpose of the study.
Data were collected and analysed qualitatively through a process known as "Contentanalysis"
The procedures used for data collection and analysis were adapted from sets of
guidelines developed by different EFL professionals and organizations for the purpose of
judging the relative merits of materials in relation to equal treatment of both sexes in foreign
language learning.
The overall results of the seven main categories of analysis revealed the adequacy of the
course book in promoting fair and balanced treatment of both sexes for effective and enjoyable
learning. It was found that the contents of textual materials were of common interest to both
sexes; that texts exemplifying cultural and traditional stereotypes were effectively counteracted
without affecting the goal of language teaching; that language items were presented and
practiced meaningfully in contexts; that tasks were carefully designed to ensure leamers'eaual
participation by stimulating the interaction that is essential to successful language learning; that
the allocation of roles to students reflected gender-equity in role representation; pictures
reflected no sign of gender-biased maggage; and that discriminatory language use was
effectively avoided by using inclusive language typical of the usage recommended by guidelines
for the equal treatment of both sexes in foreign language learning. Accordingly,
recommendations were made basd on the findings of the study.
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Keywords
College English