Modern textbook in the eyes of students: pros and cons

The relevance of the research is explained by the need to create an English language textbook for undergraduates of the university of economics. The paper is based on the results of an experiment to study the views of non-linguistic university students about a basic English textbook. The paper analyzes the problems on the necessity to study the effectiveness of a textbook, taking into account students’ own vision. The requirements for a modern language textbook in a non-linguistic university are considered due to the changes in the course duration (3–4 semesters), the number of hours of classroom and independent work. The main goal of the study is to identify the motives of modern students in learning a foreign language, their interest and motivation to use a basic English textbook. Some parts of the questionnaire are presented, on the basis of which the entire range of student opinions about the structure, content, selection and effectiveness of exercises and assignments in the textbook was studied. Methods for conducting research to collect information from respondents – 1st and 2nd year students – are described. The result analysis of a group survey of students and individual conversations with them is given. Conclusions are made on possible approaches to creating an optimal textbook that serves as a means of solving methodological problems. Recommendations are given for text, tasks and exercises selection complying with the new opportunities provided by modern science and technology. The material in the paper is for teachers, postgraduates and anyone who is interested in issues of foreign language education in a modern non-linguistic university.