Some fortunate teachers are free to choose the textbooks they use themselves.
The vast majority of teachers have textbooks either suggested for them, or, in the case of the teaching of English in Japan, prescribed. Although the materials directly relate to English teaching in junior and senior high schools in Japan, they are of relevance to all teachers of English world-wide. Textbook Approval and Adoption Textbooks produced or approved by a governing body, such as a Ministry of Education, may purport to adhere to curriculum guidelines, but in reality not fulfil the objectives they set themselves. Reliance on the textbook may distract attention from behaviours and educational beliefs crucial to the achievement of desired outcomes. In Japan teachers have a curriculum which states that its goal is to develop students' communicative competence, but textbooks that remain focused on the presentation and rote testing of grammatical items.