McGrath Materials Evaluation

Ian McGrath's framework for principled coursebook evaluation, developed in Materials Evaluation and Design for Language Teaching (Edinburgh University Press, 2002; second edition 2016). McGrath built on earlier checklists, including Cunningsworth's, and embedded evaluation inside a wider design and adaptation cycle.

Three temporal stages

The framework formalises the now-standard distinction between pre-use, in-use, and post-use evaluation. Pre-use evaluation supports selection decisions and is typically predictive — judging the book's likely fit before classroom contact. In-use evaluation collects evidence as teaching unfolds, treating the coursebook as a working hypothesis to be checked against actual lesson outcomes. Post-use evaluation reviews retrospectively whether learners achieved the targeted outcomes and whether the book contributed to or hindered them.

Impressionistic versus in-depth methods

McGrath separates two analytical depths. Impressionistic evaluation is a quick scan of the book's overall feel — layout, sequence, illustrations — typically completed in minutes and used to shortlist candidates. In-depth evaluation tests the book against specific criteria, samples actual units, and triangulates teacher and learner perspectives. The two are complementary rather than competing — the first narrows the field, the second justifies the choice.

Beyond evaluation

The 2016 second edition extends the original framework to address digital and self-access materials, learner-generated content, and the increased role of supplementation and adaptation in contexts where a single global coursebook cannot meet local needs. McGrath argues that evaluation, adaptation, and design form a continuum — teachers move along it as they take greater control over the materials in their classrooms.

Influence

The pre-use / in-use / post-use triad is now standard vocabulary across ELT teacher education and is referenced in most published evaluation studies. The framework is often paired with Materials Piloting for new in-house materials and with Coursebook Audit for institutional adoption decisions.

References

• McGrath, I. (2002). Materials Evaluation and Design for Language Teaching. Edinburgh University Press.
• McGrath, I. (2016). Materials Evaluation and Design for Language Teaching (2nd ed.). Edinburgh University Press.
• Tomlinson, B. (Ed.). (2003). Developing Materials for Language Teaching. Continuum.