The College English Textbook: Inclusion and Equality as Content.

Abstract

The importance of textbooks as valid and legitimate sources of knowledge is a field worth exploring due to the influence they exert. English-as-a-foreign-language textbooks, generally imported from English-speaking countries, often present stereotyped and decontextualized topics. That's why, at the National University of La Matanza, in the English department, we design our own materials. In 2023, we implemented material with a social focus on inclusion and equality: specifically, different abilities, gender discrimination, and study techniques. This theme was approached through academic literacy and literature too. At the end of the semester, surveys were conducted to analyze the opinions of both students and teachers. The results showed that, despite representing a cognitive challenge, both students and teachers positively appreciated the new material. This indicator encourages us to take on the challenge of designing materials based on the issues relevant to our continent.