Analysis of English Writing Textbooks for University Students in Japan: Teaching Methods and Student's Activities

In this study, we surveyed contents and structure of textbooks for English writing classes used at the Colleges of Science and Engineering and of Architecture and Environmental Design at Kanto Gakuin University were using English writing textbooks and considered the appropriateness of teaching materials that matched the level of the students. We analyzed the extent to which three textbooks used in classes, Writing Frontier, English Template Writing, and Message Delivered: Upper Intermediate, are effective in improving students' English writing ability. In the analysis, we focused on the structure of the textbooks, teaching methods, student activities, and peer reviews. Based on the comparative analysis, the importance of selecting a textbook that matches the proficiency level and academic needs of the learners is pointed out, and the need for supplementary materials and activities to cover students' grammar knowledge. Peer reviews are also proposed in order to increase students' interactive activities. Future research should include a wider range of analysis of English writing textbooks and seek ways to improve the effectiveness of peer assessments.