coursebook

A coursebook is a type of textbook designed to accompany a specific course of study. It provides structured content, activities, and assessment tasks that align with a defined syllabus or learning objectives. While used across many subjects, the term is especially common in language teaching, where a coursebook often serves as the central curricular resource for a given level or course.

In language education, a coursebook typically includes a student book and may be accompanied by a teacher's book, audio materials, workbooks, and digital resources. It presents units or modules built around topics, linguistic targets, or skills, and integrates meaning-focused activities with grammar explanations, vocabulary lists, reading passages, listening tasks, speaking prompts, and writing practice. Most coursebooks offer progression features such as review units, progress checks, and assessment tasks to monitor learner development.

Structure and features commonly found in coursebooks include clearly defined learning objectives, guided activities, glossaries, pronunciation support, and culturally or contextually relevant content. They are often designed to support lesson planning and provide a coherent sequence of instruction, with teacher guides offering additional explanations, answer keys, and suggested activities.

Publishers such as Pearson, Cambridge University Press, Oxford University Press, and Macmillan produce widely used coursebooks, frequently as multi-level series. These materials may be sold as standalone books or as part of a package that includes digital platforms, supplementary workbooks, and teacher resources. Criticism of coursebooks points to potential rigidity, cost, and mismatches with local contexts, leading some educators to adapt, supplement, or favor more flexible or learner-centered materials.