Literature Review of Junior High School English Textbooks Based on English Core Competencies

Authors

  • Yujun Yao Whenzhou University, China
  • Yujie Su Whenzhou University, China
  • Pingping Shi Whenzhou University, China
  • Yumeng Zhang Whenzhou University, China
  • Fangfang Jin Whenzhou University, China

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.61360/BoniCETR252018871001

Keywords:

core competencies, textbook analysis, language ability, cultural awareness, thinking capacity, learning ability

Abstract

This study conducts a systematic literature review of junior high school English textbooks based on the framework of English core competencies, with a specific focus on the new edition published by Foreign Language Teaching and Research Press. By integrating theories of holistic education and core competencies, the research analyzes textbook structure and content design through four key dimensions: language ability, cultural awareness, thinking quality, and learning ability. The findings reveal significant progress in thematic unit organization, progressive language skill development, and cultural content enrichment in current textbook development. However, persistent challenges include insufficient authentic language materials, disproportionate representation of Western culture, inadequate high-order thinking activities, and insufficient stimulation of learning motivation. To address these issues, this study proposes the following recommendations: teachers should shift from knowledge transmission to competency cultivation by incorporating authentic contextual tasks, cross-cultural comparative activities, critical thinking exercises, and adding student-centered engaging content to promote comprehensive competency development.

Author Biography

  • Yujie Su, Whenzhou University, China

    Yujie Su received her Ph.D. in English linguistics at Chonnam National University in South Korea. She is currently an associate professor at the School of Foreign Studies at Wenzhou University. She has published articles on teachings and language research, covering topics of contrastive study between Chinese and other languages, corpus-based studies of vocabulary, online writing automatic correction and other linguistic-related issues.

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Published

2025-10-25

Issue

Section

Review

How to Cite

Literature Review of Junior High School English Textbooks Based on English Core Competencies. (2025). Contemporary Education and Teaching Research, 6(10), 389-400. https://doi.org/10.61360/BoniCETR252018871001

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