Abstract
In Taiwan, there is a paucity of textbook research using the oral history approach. First of all, the present study began with a discussion on how to do textbook research by oral history. Second, the research method of oral history was adopted to discuss the Banqiao Experimental Mandarin Textbooks, which have not become formal textbooks in Taiwan’s textbook history but have had a significant influence on language instruction. The findings of the present study were as follows: In the long course of history, textbook developments in different generations show different levels of efforts to challenge authority, and authority elimination is a temporary result from different generations’ continuous efforts. The development of experimental textbooks has the features of adopting the naturalistic model for curriculum development, which is close to children, expanding the flexibility and framework of language learning, being brave in innovation, breaking the taboo of topic selection and emphasizing balance and literary aesthetics. Experimental textbooks influence people slowly and divergently, which is still taking effect to date and proving what Pratt (1994/2000) said again -In the process of curriculum development, the most significant harvest is not only finishing product (textbook) but also lighting up the participant's knowledge and life. Consequently, oral history as an indispensable textbook research approach was all the more highlighted in the present study.