Character Values Representation in Iranian High School English Textbooks

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 English Department, Faculty of Management and Humanities, Chabahar Maritime University, Chabahar, Iran

2 1. Department of English Language and Literature, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Golestan University, Gorgan, Iran 2. English Department, Faculty of Management and Humanities, Chabahar Maritime University, Chabahar, Iran

Abstract

This descriptive study aimed to examine the extent to which character values were present and their distribution in the Iranian high school English textbooks Prospect Series and Vision Series, and to determine whether these character values were violated. Quantitative data were gathered through content analysis of these two English textbook series, focusing on the frequency and distribution of the 18 character values, as defined by the checklist by Pratiwi et al. (2021). The results showed that communicative values (e.g., interaction, cooperation, and social engagement) were the most frequently represented (f = 211), reflecting the series’ emphasis on basic language use and classroom interaction at the junior high school level. Values of Democratic (f=9), Honest (f=5), and Environmental caring (f=10) appeared less frequently, suggesting room for more intentional integration. Character values of being Communicative (f=93), Disciplined (f=103), and Hardworking (f=74) dominated across the Vision series, while values such as being Honest (f=6), Democratic (f=5), and Social Caring (f=11) were rarely found, indicating a gap in promoting personal initiative and participatory classroom culture. Furthermore, a closer qualitative analysis revealed several instances in which textbook content may unintentionally undermine values such as honesty, tolerance, democracy, peace-loving, creativity, and respect in Prospect Series, and tolerance, peace-loving, creativity, and respect in Vision Series through stereotyping, dichotomous moral framing, or neutral presentation of conflict-related themes. These findings suggested that character education in Iranian EFL textbooks is present but unevenly operationalized.

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References

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Teaching English as a Second Language Quarterly
Volume 45, Issue 3
June 2026
Pages 71-102

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History

  • Receive Date: 19 November 2025
  • Revise Date: 14 January 2026
  • Accept Date: 18 February 2026

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