A3 Book section, Chapters in research books
The Ideal Learner as Envisioned by Can Do Statements and Grammar Revisions : How Textbook Agency Is Constructed (2023)

Saarinen, T., & Huhta, A. (2023). The Ideal Learner as Envisioned by Can Do Statements and Grammar Revisions : How Textbook Agency Is Constructed. In J. Ennser-Kananen, & T. Saarinen (Eds.), New Materialist Explorations into Language Education (pp. 151-172). Springer International Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-13847-8_9

JYU authors or editors

Publication details

All authors or editors: Saarinen, Taina; Huhta, Ari

Parent publication: New Materialist Explorations into Language Education

Parent publication editors: Ennser-Kananen, Johanna; Saarinen, Taina

ISBN: 978-3-031-13846-1

eISBN: 978-3-031-13847-8

Publication year: 2023

Publication date: 11/10/2022

Pages range: 151-172

Number of pages in the book: 190

Publisher: Springer International Publishing

Place of Publication: Cham

Publication country: Switzerland

Publication language: English

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-13847-8_9

Publication open access: Openly available

Publication channel open access: Open Access channel

Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/83553

Abstract

In this chapter, we analyse the features of textbooks that enable and facilitate their role as material agents in the classroom. Rather than analyse the ways textbooks are used in interaction with humans, we analyse the elements in the textbook itself that facilitate intra-action and the ensuing material agency. Based on a discursive analysis of self-assessment in one textbook and discussing that construct against the Finnish national core curriculum and previous research, we present an ‘ideal imaginary’ of classroom activities as construed in the textbook. This helps us understand the textbooks in their pedagogical ergonomics; i.e. as socio-material in the classroom. We conclude by discussing the ideological nature of the textbooks not only as describing, but materially constructing a learner agency that understands learning both as constructivist and behaviourist. This merging of pedagogic ideals promotes a particular kind of disciplined behaviour to the extent that learner behaviour and learning are inseparably intertwined.

Keywords: textbooks; materialism; conceptions of learning; pedagogy; self-evaluation; learning objectives; curricula; language skills; ideals; discourse analysis

Free keywords: self-assessment; textbook; discourse analysis; socio-materiality; ideal learner

Contributing organizations

Ministry reporting: Yes

VIRTA submission year: 2023

JUFO rating: 2