THE EVOLUTION OF ENGLISH TEXTBOOKS AND METHODS IN ALBANIAN SCHOOLS

The aim of this paper is to present a view on the evolution of English textbooks and methods in Albanian schools. English language nowadays is a compulsory language in Albanian schools and its interest, usage and involvement has increased over the years. Due to the economical-political-technological development has also changed the view and the thought for English teaching and learning in Albanian schools. This evolution will be seen in three periods: 1955-1973, 1973-1990, 1990- till now. At the beginning of '70-s there was an interest for English language learning at our schools. The principal method for its learning was grammar and translation. The most used book was Essential, method with interaction possibilities for learners. The construction of the text had an influence in the teaching/learning methods in Albania in concentrating in grammar and vocabulary. In the second period there was an improvement on teaching/learning methods of English. The textbooks English for the first class, focused on morphology, syntax and glossary and there was a tendency of the authors to explain the new words in English and give new meanings. After the '90-s, so the post communism period there is a large number of English textbooks, because of Albania's opening borders and the great interest of Albanians to study English language, as: Headway, Wishes, Blockbuster, Upstream, Up the ladder, To the top, Welcome to English, Access etc. Currently the English textbooks are full of interesting texts and accompanied with a CD-Room. They are conceptualized in five sections (vocabulary, reading, grammar, language functions, and pronunciation practice) and provide a good grammar knowledge and a perfect written and spoken English. The evolution of English textbooks in Albanian schools nowadays is spread in all school levels.