A qualitative evaluation of student needs and EAW textbook effectiveness at IIUM

Ramli, Farah and Razali, Khairil Azwar (2026) A qualitative evaluation of student needs and EAW textbook effectiveness at IIUM. International Young Scholars Journal of Languages, 9 (1). pp. 117-129. E-ISSN 0128-2573

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Abstract

While EAW textbooks serve as foundational pillars in higher education, a structural mismatch often persists between static, Western-centric curricular materials and the evolving, digitally mediated, realities of L2 writers. To address this gap, this study explores the perceived academic writing needs and challenges of undergraduate students using EAW textbooks at the IIUM, examining how these needs inform their learning experiences and classroom preferences. The study is anchored in the academic literacies’ conceptual framework, viewing scholarly writing as a socially situated, identity-negotiating practice rather than a mere mechanical skill. Adopting an interpretive qualitative design, the methodology utilizes Braun and Clarke’s six-phase reflexive thematic analysis framework on semi-structured interview data collected across a diverse cross-section of disciplines. The analysis reveals that students navigate intense linguistic and structural challenges regarding citation mechanics, face cultural and digital omissions within textbook contents, specifically regarding non-Western naming conventions and alternative digital media citations, and actively reject passive material consumption in favour of dynamic classroom pedagogy. Ultimately, this research contributes to the ESP field by demonstrating that textbook evaluation must transcend surface-level readability measures. It recommends that curriculum designers and instructors integrate contextually responsive scaffolding, explicit digital source referencing guidelines, and task-based, interactive instructional approaches to effectively support the operational needs of modern L2 writers.

Item Type:	Article (Journal)
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Textbook Evaluation, Needs Analysis, English for Academic Writing (EAW), Qualitative Research, Reflexive Thematic Analysis
Subjects:	L Education > LB Theory and practice of education > LB2300 Higher Education L Education > LT Textbooks
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Kulliyyah of Sustainable Tourism and Contemporary Languages
Depositing User:	Dr Khairil Azwar Razali
Date Deposited:	20 Aug 2026 15:12
Last Update:	20 Aug 2026 15:12
Queue Number:	2026-08-Q4839
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/130924

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