Evaluating "Sunrise 10": An Extensive Appraisal of the Local ELT Coursebook in Kurdistan

Abstract

This research study delves into the evaluation of the ELT coursebook "Sunrise 10," which is widely used in the Kurdistan region of northern Iraq. The primary objective is to assess the merits and demerits of this coursebook from the perspectives of experienced educators in Kurdistan, employing the evaluative checklist developed by Cunningsworth (1995). The use of this evaluative scheme is justified by its structured, systematic, and efficient approach, offering a thorough, accurate assessment. The study employs a mixed-methods research design to provide a comprehensive evaluation of the coursebook.

The findings highlight several positive aspects of "Sunrise 10," demonstrating alignment with the goals and objectives of the ELT program in Kurdistan. However, certain shortcomings are identified, including the absence of pair-work activities and the need for additional video resources and unit revisions. Additionally, the study raises concerns about the appropriateness of certain cartoon illustrations for the intended age group (16+). Nevertheless, the coursebook effectively incorporates the four main language skills and integrated language skills, maintaining a balanced approach. The study also suggests that "Sunrise 10" is likely to adhere to communicative language teaching (CLT) principles due to its task-based activities. Furthermore, while the coursebook offers a wide range of topics, it may lack sufficient content related to Kurdish contexts. The study concludes that "Sunrise 10" requires an update since it was last revised nearly two decades ago. Importantly, the coursebook is found to avoid negative cultural stereotyping. In summary, the strengths of "Sunrise 10" appear to outweigh its weaknesses, as perceived by the assessors, with an effectiveness rating of approximately 74% and an ineffectiveness rating of around 26%.