Language, Identity and the Digital Realm

Language, Identity and the Digital Realm

Textbook Evaluation Based on the Developed Version of Cunningsworth's Model: A Focus on EVOLVE One

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Shaghayegh Mokhtari
Sousan Sattar Boroujeni
English Department, Na.C., Islamic Azad University, Najafabad, Iran
10.22034/lidr.2025.2075893.1024
Abstract
Given the lack of empirical evaluation of the newly published EVOLVE series in diverse EFL contexts and its claimed alignment with contemporary communicative language teaching principles, this study aimed to systematically assess the EVOLVE One textbook using a developed version of Cunningsworth’s Model (2012), focusing on six key areas: content, layout and physical appearance, language type, language skills, language sub-skills, and teachers' needs. The research employed a quantitative survey design, collecting data from 30 experienced EFL teachers from various branches of Jahad Daneshgahi at Isfahan University of Technology. Participants completed a detailed checklist adapted from Al-sowat (2012). The collected data were analyzed using one-sample t-tests and the Friedman test to determine the degree of correspondence between the textbook and the evaluation model. The results revealed statistically significant alignment across all areas, indicating that EVOLVE One meets the expectations of the developed model and is suitable for EFL instruction. The findings suggest that the textbook supports communicative language teaching and fulfills pedagogical and practical needs. This study contributes to the field of ELT by offering a validated framework for systematic textbook evaluation, guiding educators, curriculum planners, and policymakers in selecting effective instructional materials for Iranian EFL learners.
Keywords
Cunningworths' developed model (2012)
Evolve One
Textbook evaluation
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Language, Identity and the Digital Realm
Volume 1, Issue 4
Autumn 2025
Pages 33-45